The MP for Newbury is encouraging constituents who may need extra support during a power cut to register for Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' (SSEN) free Priority Services Register (PSR). This provides extra support to those that need it during faults.

Being without electricity can be distressing and difficult, particularly for those that depend upon specialist medical equipment, have a chronic illness, are over the age of 60, or have young dependent infants. SSEN offers extra help and free support to ensure its customers are looked after and is seeking to increase the number of those that qualify to sign-up.

Richard met with SSEN in parliament to discuss support for his constituents, and the investment that is being undertaken to reduce the number and duration of faults on the Newbury electricity network. He is calling on members of his constituency to contact SSEN if they feel they, or someone they know including family members or neighbours, may need extra support.

Richard said:

"I urge my constituents to look out for their neighbours, friends and family members, particularly those who are dependent on electricity for home medical care, have an illness, are elderly, or have very young children in their household, and spread the word about PSR."

"My constituents, who feel they may need extra help, can access this through registering on the Priority Services Register, for free. This provides extra help to those who need it most during adverse weather conditions, or faults."

Bryan Puszkar, SSEN Customer Relationship Manager said:

"It was fantastic to meet with Richard to discuss the PSR. It is a vitally important tool to ensuring that in the rare occasion that faults do occur, SSEN is aware of where extra support needs to be targeted. I want to thank Richard for his support for the PSR, and we hope this will mean that more people hear about, and register for, this important service."

Constituents can qualify for SSEN's Priority Services Register if they:

  • Are dependent on electricity for home medical care
  • Have a chronic illness or short-term medical condition
  • Are disabled
  • Have special communication needs
  • Have children under the age of five
  • Are over the age of 60

By registering for SSEN's PSR, customers will be proactively contacted to warn them of potential bad weather to help them prepare and to offer extra support where required.SSEN's teams will also keep in close and regular contact with its PSR customers during network outages to check they are getting the help they need. The free service also offers:

  • Dedicated 24 hour priority services phone number
  • Information in the format you need, for example Braille, textphone, audio CD or foreign language

To find out more about the PSR, visit www.ssen.co.uk/priorityservices or call 0800 294 3259.