Steps you should take in case of a power cut:
1. Try to avoid using your stairlift, if you have one
2. Only use other forms of heating or lighting if you can do so safely
3. Fill a vacuum flask with a warm drink and fill a hot water bottle
4. Wrap up warm and stay in one room
5. Have a battery powered radio tune into a local radio station
6. Keep a torch handy - they are much safer than candles
7. Make sure you have a good supply of warm clothing and a blanket close to hand
We are aware that some of our customers may have additional requirements and require priority treatment for a variety of reasons. They may be elderly, disabled or have a chronic illness. Some may have sight or hearing difficulties. Some may be reliant on electrical equipment at home such as kidney dialysis machines, ventilators, specially designed beds or chairlifts. If as a result of this you need to be contacted in advance of planned interruptions to your supply, you can register with us free of charge.
Our special needs register is a database containing information on all our customers who have a particular electrical dependency.
Please click here to view our ‘Information for priority customers’ booklet.
Customers dependent on 100% uninterrupted electricity supply
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee an uninterrupted supply 100% of the time. If an uninterrupted supply is essential to you, you may need to make alternative arrangements in case of a power disruption. These can be made through your doctor or a social worker.
If you experience a loss of supply and you have any concerns that you or a family member may be at risk, ring your local hospital or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
How to register
If you would like to register, or if you wish to tell us about someone who would benefit from being on our register, you can do so by:
- Register online, email us at: priorityservices@northernpowergrid.com or download the printable application form
- writing to or calling us using the address and phone numbers in our Contact Us section, providing your name, address, telephone number and details of your equipment (e.g. type of medical equipment, kidney dialysis routine, stairlift);
- contacting your supplier, who will pass your details on to us. Your supplier will also register you and they will be able to offer additional services through their supplier's priority services register. Their telephone number is on your latest bill; or
If you register with us directly, we will pass your details to your supplier with your agreement.
Additional information
If you need a visit from us at any time, you can request a password when you make the appointment. You can then be confident that the person entering your property is a Northern Powergrid employee or is a contractor working on our behalf.
If you are planning a new electrical connection or a service alteration to your property and you have special needs that we need to be aware of, please inform us when you make your initial call on 08450 702 703.
Welfare organisations seeking advice and information on the services to customers covered by this code should contact our Customer Relations Manager on 0800 169 2996.
