Millions of proud northerners across the region are being reminded that they might need a little extra support sometimes – especially if their medical or personal situation could make them more vulnerable.
The reminder comes as part of a new campaign aimed at helping more people ensure they get the extra support they may need if their power is ever affected this winter and comes on the back of research that indicates hundreds of thousands of people could be missing out.
Launched by electricity network operator, Northern Powergrid, the campaign will help raise awareness amongst people across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, about Northern Powergrid’s free Priority Services Membership and access to free energy advice services if they - or anyone they know - is struggling with their energy costs.
The campaign will highlight the importance and benefits of accepting a little extra help especially if medically dependent on electricity, of pensionable age, a parent of a child under the age of five or if have specific communication needs, poor mobility, a serious illness or mental health care needs.
The network operator is proactively contacting millions of customers and reaching into communities, through a range of community publications and outdoor display screens, to urge more people to act now and become a Priority Service Member before winter comes and the risk of severe weather increases the risk of damage to the region’s power network.
It will also directly target communities in Bradford, County Durham, East Riding of Yorkshire, Harrogate, Hambleton, Leeds, Northumberland, Richmondshire, Ryedale, Selby, Sheffield, Sunderland, Wakefield and York where latest Northern Powergrid data indicates more than 340,000 people could be eligible to sign-up and benefit from being a Priority Services Member.
Louise Lowes, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Customer Service, said: “As part of our largest ever Priority Services engagement campaign, we’ve emailed and are sharing important information with millions of people. We are actively encouraging more people to consider joining or show they care by signing up a family or friend to our free service – as well as offering top tips on how to be prepared if they ever have a power cut.
“Our research has shown that hundreds of thousands of people could be missing out because they either don’t know about our Priority Services Membership or may shy away from taking advantage of the free services we, and our expert independent partners, can provide if they ever have a power cut, need energy saving advice or are struggling with the costs of living. Whilst being a member doesn’t guarantee quicker restoration of your power than others, it does mean our teams can offer a range of extra support and advice.
“We hope our campaign will be force for good in the communities we serve and help more individuals and households benefit from the extra support our teams can provide when our customers need us most.”
To find out about joining Northern Powergrid’s free Priority Services Membership visit northernpowergrid.com/care or call 0800 169 2996.
Northern Powergrid also works with a range of independent partners who can share advice and support available to local people. Visit northernpowergrid.com/force-for-good to find out more.
Being a priority services member does not mean a customer’s electricity supply will be restored first or protected, it means that Northern Powergrid will know what extra advice and support a customer may need, before, during or after a power cut so it can seek to provide additional assistance, wherever possible. It also helps Northern Powergrid inform any wider regional responses led by local resilience partners - such as local authorities and emergency services - in a major incident so support is targeted to those who need it most.
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