NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO HELP THOSE WHO MAY NEED EXTRA SUPPORT DURING A POWER CUT

A new website, launched with the support of energy operators across Great Britain today, will offer a quicker and more straight forward process for energy customers to sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR) for their Gas and Electricity Distribution Network Operators (DNO).

The new website www.thepsr.co.uk offers a one-stop-shop approach, providing valuable information and tools for energy customers with additional needs in England, Scotland and Wales.  

The website is part of energy operators’ work to provide extra support for those who need it most during an interruption to their supply.  Eligible customers can sign up for free to the PSR by contacting their local network operator or energy supplier. By simply entering their postcode into the new website, customers will be directed to their relevant energy operator’s website, helping make their sign-up process as simple as possible.

The website has been designed to be a single reference point for the NHS, local authorities, charities and other partners to direct their service users towards. The website is the result of a collaborative initiative led by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution. 

Louise Lowes, Northern Powergrid’s Head of Customer Services, said: "Northern Powergrid fully supports the launch of the new Priority Services Register (PSR) website, which was developed in collaboration with all Distribution Network Operators across England, Scotland and Wales.

“The website, will make it even easier for vulnerable customers to access the energy support they need and complements Northern Powergrid’s free Priority Services Membership (PSM); offering additional support, advice and information to our most vulnerable customers during a power cut.

“Our aim is to make every contact count and we’re pleased to see a new communication tool being widely available, which will signpost customers in our region to access our help when they need it most.

“We look forward to the added benefits this brings for our priority service customers who live in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire."

Lyndsey Stainton, SSEN Distribution’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement said: "We’re delighted to help make registering for the PSR even easier. We hope everyone with customers who would benefit from hearing about the PSR will direct them towards this site.  It follows similar work in Scotland and conversations with groups who support people, who told us they’d value an easy way to raise awareness of the PSR with their customers. Our customers are at the heart of all we do and we continually look for new ways to support them when they need us most.”

Gillian Cooper, Head of Energy Policy for Citizens Advice, said:“Not being on the PSR could mean people in vulnerable circumstances missing out on vital support they're entitled to. We look forward to seeing how this new website can help consumers get the support offered by energy companies.

“Even if someone is not eligible, there may be other support available. Citizens Advice is here to help anyone who needs it. Our website has more information or we can be contacted easily via the phone".

Background information

• The initiative around www.thepsr.co.uk website is supported by the following partners:
  • • Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution
    • SP Energy Networks
    • Electricity North West
    • Northern Powergrid
    • UK Power Networks
    • National Grid Electricity Distribution
    • SGN
    • Northern Gas Networks (NGN)
    • Cadent
    • Wales & West Utilities (WWU)
• Joining has a range of benefits, they include:
  • Advance notice of engineering work
  • Proactive contact ahead of storms or adverse weather conditions with the potential to impact electricity supplies
  • Priority support in a prolonged power cut
  • Identification and password scheme: This could include arranging a password if callers need to visit or contact you, so you can feel confident it is a legitimate approach
  • Nominee scheme: You can nominate a family member, carer, or another person to receive communications and bills from your supplier
  • Accessible information, including receiving account information, bills and advice on how to prepare for a power cut in large print or braille
  • A dedicated call line for Priority Service customers, in the event of an emergency power cut
• Please visit www.thepsr.co.uk for more information on the service, and for information on who is eligible.