In the informal setting of Uxbridge Library, Daniel Townson – who works in SSEN’s Thames Valley region as its Customer and Community Advisor – met and chatted to twelve blind and partially sighted, local customers about how they could benefit from the additional, free support provided by the distribution operator’s Priority Services Register and YES Energy Solutions.

Through SSEN’s Priority Services Register, customers who could find themselves in a vulnerable situation during planned or unplanned power outages are offered free extra support, which varies according to the individual customer's needs, and through YES Energy Solutions is also offering free, expert advice on energy efficiency; all part of SSEN's ongoing commitment to supporting its customers.

Daniel explains further:
“While it may seem a little odd to be talking about power cuts, adverse weather and saving energy as we approach summer, our aim is to speak to customers now so they can gather all the facts they need to make an informed decision about how to be best prepared for when winter comes. Although we already have over 114,000 customers in Thames Valley who have signed up for our Priority Services Register, we know there are still more customers who could benefit from this free service that will bring them peace of mind in the event of a power cut.”
He added:
“It’s vital that we meet the needs of all of our customers and that also means ensuring information is available and accessible to all. The aim of meeting some of our visually impaired customers in Uxbridge was to provide them with the knowledge they need to discuss the services available with friends and family members, and then take the time to make an informed decision on what works best for them. In addition to our Priority Services Register and the free assistance it can provide, YES Energy Solutions can assist customers in saving energy and money. It costs nothing to sign up for either of these services and can help bring our customers some peace of mind that they are registered for additional assistance, whatever the weather.”

In addition to the face-to-face meeting at Uxbridge Library, SSEN will be recording information on its Priority Services Register and YES Energy Solutions for a forthcoming edition of the Uxbridge Amigos Talking Magazine.

Priority Services Register

Customers are eligible for the Priority Services Register if they:

  • Are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Have a disability
  • Live with children under five
  • Are blind or partially sighted
  • Have a chronic illness
  • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
  • Are over 60
  • Temporarily need extra support

For more information on our Priority Services Register, click here or call 0800 294 3259. SSEN’s PSR information leaflets are available online with accessibility for visual and hearing impaired customers and can be found in 11 different languages.

YES Energy Solutions

By registering at ssen.co.uk/energyadvice, eligible customers can access a range of free services including:

  • Saving energy
  • Switching energy suppliers
  • Grants and loans available for insulation and heating systems
  • Money they could be claiming such as the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment
  • Heating hot water and thermostat advice
  • Smart meters and how to use them effectively
  • Income maximisation

Customers are able to self-refer to receive advice from YES' expert advisors, who will offer guidance on how to save energy and money on home heating bills.