12 Jan Chelmsford residents risk missing out on free emergency support
Residents in Chelmsford currently risk missing out on free support from the Priority Services Register in electricity emergencies, according to data from UK Power Networks.
The UK’s largest electricity distributor is urging people in Chelmsford to check if they or someone they know can join its Priority Services Register, which provides those in vulnerable circumstances with extra help and support in the event of a power cut.
In the East, Chelmsford is one of the most under-represented areas on the company’s Priority Services Register with only 58% of eligible households registered.
Those in Chelmsford most likely to miss out include families with children under five, households who cannot communicate easily in English, those of pensionable age and people with mental health conditions.
Giulia Privitera, social sustainability manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Emergencies on the electricity network do not happen often, but we know they can be an especially worrying time for households in vulnerable circumstances, whether they are ongoing or temporary situations that need a little bit of extra help. The register allows us to direct support where it’s needed.
“Joining the register does not always mean we can restore electricity supplies quicker but helps us target updates and offer additional support if needed, so people can plan their lives while our engineers work on the issue.
“We can also put them in touch with an expert who can offer free independent advice on energy if they are worried about paying their fuel bills or need help to keep their home warm this winter.
“Our message to people in Chelmsford is that helping someone you care about join the register takes minutes.
“Being without power can be cold, uncomfortable and isolating and all of us can take an easy step to help our friends and neighbours, family and loved ones before they find themselves in this situation.”
In the past year, users of the Priority Services Register gave UK Power Networks’ service a 94% customer satisfaction rating and the company has spent around £40,000 on meals and hotel stays provided to registered households.
The independent energy advice and support UK Power Networks provide to their customers in collaboration with community partners has saved up to £8.4 million collectively over one year alone.
Over 65s, families with children under five, those who rely on medical equipment or with a disability, people who are hearing, sight or speech impaired, patients leaving hospital and people with any physical or mental health condition are all entitled to join the two million households already registered in London, the South East and East of England.
The company provides bespoke vulnerability training for its customer service team so they know how best to respond to a variety of different needs. The company has also partnered with experts like Scope and AgilityEco to expand the range of tailored support services available.
To find out more and register for the free service visit: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priorityservices
Water companies also provide free extra support to vulnerable households and UK Power Networks is urging residents to register with them at the same time.
To sign up for Anglian Water’s Register please see anglianwater.co.uk/priority, ring 0800 141 2934, or email priorityservices@anglianwater.co.uk
