Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is working with the Hindu Council UK and calling on residents across its Thames Valley region to sign up to its Priority Services Register (PSR)to receive extra support during power cuts, and find out more about energy efficiency and money saving measures.

The network operator and the organisation, which represents an amalgamation of various Hindu denominations in the UK, joined forces to spread their message of reassurance and offer of assistance across communities as they celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights.

With nearly a million customers living and working in rural and urban areas across SSEN's Thames Valley region - in areas including Bracknell, High Wycombe, Newbury, Reading and Slough - the network operator wants to help local residents to register for the free advice and services that can help them save money and prepare for adverse weather, which can bring the potential for disruption to power supplies.

SSEN's call to action for customers was translated into multi-language posters and distributed to communities ahead of Diwali, to highlight the additional free services that residents across Thames Valley can benefit from through both PSR and SSEN's partnership with YES Energy Solutions.

Customer and Community Advisor for SSEN, Mohammed Kamraiz said:

"We are honoured to have been asked to join the Hindu Council UK during the festival of Diwali and work together to offer assistance to more vulnerable members of Thames Valley's communities; helping us to speak to our customers.

"At SSEN, we do all we can to cater for our customers' needs throughout the year, and we'd like to encourage them to find out more about PSR and YES Energy Solutions, so they can feel confident that help is at hand all year round and whatever the weather.

"Across Thames Valley, we have many local residents signing up to our PSR, but we know there are still some households which could benefit from the scheme. With our PSR leaflets produced in 11 different languages, we'd like to ask families and friends to help share our PSR information with those close to them so they can feel reassured that help is at hand."

Rajnish Kashyap, General Secretary of the Hindu Council UK added:

"SSEN places vulnerable customers at the heart of everything it does and is committed to working with other external agencies and organisations to tackle social issues, including fuel poverty.

"This latest initiative to encourage customers to sign up for its free PSR and energy advice is a good example of this commitment, and I'd ask anyone who feels they could benefit from additional assistance during a power cut, to sign up ahead of the winter months.

"As a member of SSEN's External Inclusive Panel, I am proud to support this SSEN initiative and ongoing care for their customers."

SSEN offers several free services including its PSR,and confidential guidance and information through its partnership with YES Energy Solutions;helping households looking to save money, improve their energy efficiency and prepare for weather events that have the potential to interrupt power supplies.

Through the network operator's Priority Services Register (PSR), customers who could find themselves in a vulnerable situation during planned or unplanned power outages are offered free extra support, which varies according to the individual customer's needs. YES Energy Solutions also offers free, expert advice on energy efficiency; all part of SSEN's ongoing commitment to supporting its customers.

Customers can qualify for free, additional support through SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) if they:

  • Are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Have a disability
  • Live with children under five
  • Are blind or partially sighted
  • Have a chronic illness
  • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
  • Are over 60
  • Are categorised at 'high risk' and 'extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus.

SSEN produces its Priority Services Register leaflets in 11 different languages; all of which are also available to read and download from its website, by going to:www.ssen.co.uk/psr.

In addition to signing up for PSR or seeking guidance from YES Energy Solutions, SSEN is also encouraging customers to download the free-to-call 105 emergency number and SSEN's Power Track app on any phones or digital devices they have, to enable them to report power cuts and emergencies, and to be kept updated on those situations.

To find out more about the PSR and to register for the free, additional assistance available, click here or call 0800 294 3259.