We’re committed to keeping our customers safe, warm and informed, especially during the winter months when severe weather can sometimes lead to unplanned power cuts.

That’s why we’re working with SaveEnergy; a community‑owned, not‑for‑profit organisation based in the Thames Valley, and whose trained team of energy advisors will help us to sign up even more of our customers for our free Priority Services.

SSEN's Mohammed Kamraiz with Kit Evans, SaveEnergy's General Manager

Why Priority Services matter

A power cut can be more than just an inconvenience for some our customers – especially those who rely on medical equipment or temperature‑sensitive medication – so we encourage eligible households to join our Priority Services and receive free, tailored assistance before, during and after power cuts.

Across our distribution areas in central southern England and the north of Scotland, over 1.1 million of you are already signed up and benefiting from this extra support, but we know there are still some customers across the Thames Valley who haven’t signed up yet.

SaveEnergy plays a key role in helping residents access the support they need by offering free guidance on staying warm, reducing bills and lowering carbon emissions. As part of this service, they’ll also help eligible residents join our Priority Services.

The benefits of signing up include:

  • Power cut updates – Customers are given notice about disruption to their electricity supply, 24 hours a day.
  • Free power cut plan – Customers receive a personalised Power Cut Plan tailored to their needs.
  • Support line – Customers are provided with a dedicated support line to help advise them, depending on their needs.
  • Dedicated communication – Customers are offered information in large print, braille, audio, or other languages if needed.

The importance of signing up for this additional, free assistance was highlighted by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Mrs Mandy Kaur Brar, when she attended a recent community event and met colleagues from SSEN and SaveEnergy. She says:

"The free Priority Services from SSEN can offer reassurance and support to some of our most vulnerable residents.

“I would recommend to anyone who may be eligible, go online and sign up today, because being kept informed and having support available before and during a power cut reduce worry and minimise risks for you and your loved ones."

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Mrs Mandy Kaur Brar with SSEN's Community Liaison Office, Mohammed Kamraiz at a recent SaveEnergy event

Our Community Liaison Officer, Mohammed Kamraiz added:

“We’re delighted to be working with SaveEnergy and, with their assistance, getting even more of our customers ready for power cuts. 

“While we know many customers have already signed up to our Priority Services, we’re aware there are still some small areas in our Thames Valley communities where residents could benefit from being part of this free service. 

“Along with SaveEnergy, we’re encouraging them to join the growing number of people who are now safe in the knowledge that extra help is there for them, when they need it and in the way that works best for their needs.”

Kit Evans, General Manager at SaveEnergy, explains how he and his team are working with communities to help them access Priority Services:  

“All of our expert team live locally and want to ensure that their communities get the best support possible. 

"That includes making sure that older people, young families and people with medical or other needs feel safe and warm at home, so SSEN’s Priority Services is an obvious one to recommend. We’re looking forward to helping many more people sign up in the coming months.”

Registration for our Priority Services is quick, free and open to anyone who meets the criteria. We understand that everyone has different needs, so feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements. It only takes a few minutes to apply online through our Priority Services page or you can call us on freephone 0800 294 3259 to find out how you, a family member or friend could benefit from free support during a power cut.

We can then provide you with regular updates, safety advice, dedicated 24-hour helpline and communication in a format that meets your needs. For example, we can engage with you in large print, Braille, alternative languages or British Sign Language.