Bedford residents are being urged to register for extra support in the event of a power cut, as UK Power Networks aim to raise awareness of the help available.
Vulnerable families can access extra support including accommodation, meals and home visits.
The push is aimed at households considered to be left vulnerable should a power cut occur, including pensioners, families with young children and people with special needs, disabilities or health conditions.
Fortunately, power cuts are increasingly rare but severe weather can cause damage to overhead power lines and the loss in power firghtening for people in vulnerable circumstances.
Despite more than 1.6 million customers have signed up the company’s Priority Services Register less than 40% of those eligible from Bedford have done so, meaning a massive percentage not accessing this valuable support.
Sam Fuller, head of customer services for Power Networks said: “Communicating with our customers is key…there are actually 22 ways you can get information from us during an incident.
“While we are confident in the safety and reliability of our network we are never complacent, and we continue to invest in both staff and equipment to ensure we and our customers cope well if an incident ever happens.”
To apply to join UK Power Networks’ Priority Services Register visitwww.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, ring 0800 169 9970, or emailpsr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk.
In the event of a power cut see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk from a mobile device or ring 105.
