Energy networks provide winter preparedness guidance

Energy Networks Association (ENA) has launched its annual winter preparedness campaign, which provides important information and guidance to UK households ahead of winter. The campaign was welcomed by Energy Minister Michael Shanks, who has encouraged households to make sure they know what to do in the event of a power cut.

As part of the campaign, electricity networks are encouraging everyone eligible to sign up for the free Priority Services Register, which provides those with young families, elderly and disabled customers and those with long-term medical conditions or additional needs, with extra help in the event of planned engineering work, routine faults or storms disrupting power. Though the service cannot exempt properties from potential power cuts, it aims to provide extra information and support to those who need it.

The key messages for the wider campaign this year are:

Prepare - Make a plan: know what to do if you have a power cut

• Power cut? Go online to report it or call 105, the free power cut emergency number
• Keep a mobile phone and power bank, if you have one, fully charged so you can use it to go online or call for updates
• Go to PowerCut105 to find out how to make your plan

Care - Check in with people who might need extra help

• Check on neighbours, family, and friends to make sure they have a plan if they have a power cut
• Check now to see if you or someone you know can get extra help during bad weather through the free Priority Services Register
• The Priority Services Register is a free service to help people who have additional needs. You can sign up by contacting your energy supplier and network operator on freephone 105. Remember to keep your supplier or network operator updated if your circumstances change

Share - Share this information so friends and family can make a plan too

• Share this information and the www.powercut105.com/en/be-winter-ready website with others
• The campaign will use social media and PR to encourage customers to prepare for winter. 

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

“As we enter the winter months, we are working closely with operators to ensure they continue to have plans in place to minimise disruption and support customers in the event of power cuts from storms and other faults.

“This is especially important for young families and vulnerable households, and I urge them to sign up to the free Priority Services Register to make sure they get the help they need during any power disruption.

“By taking Energy Networks Association’s three simple steps to Prepare, Care and Share – we can help get ready for winter.”

Lawrence Slade, Chief Executive of Energy Networks Association (ENA) which represents the UK's energy network operators said:

“Everyone can take the steps described in the energy industry’s ‘Prepare, Care, Share’ campaign to get ready for the winter months. In particular, I’d urge anyone eligible, or if you know someone eligible who might not have signed up yet, to join the free Priority Services Register.”