Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has teamed up with Wiltshire Sight to help blind and partially-sighted customers across Wiltshire and Swindon find out more about the free, additional services they can receive in the event of a power cut.
Held in Chippenham last month, the Wiltshire Sight event was the first in-person event that Customer and Community Advisors from SSEN's Ridgeway region were able to attend since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The charity, which works to reduce the impact of sight loss and helps blind and partially-sighted people to lead fulfilling, independent lives, and the distribution operator worked to ensure the event was fully compliant - with enhanced hygiene measures - and completely safe for all of those attending.
On the day, over 60 attendees passed through the door of Chippenham's Neeld Community Art Centre to find out about a wealth of local opportunities and information, including SSEN's advice on the additional help available through its Priority Services Register (PSR).
Attendees were able to gather detailed information on SSEN's Priority Services Register (PSR) and sign up on the day to receive the free extra support available during planned or unplanned power outages. By signing up to the PSR, SSEN can target support to its customers during a fault or planned outage to provide access to amenities, generators, welfare vans and, for blind or partially-sighted customers, information can also be provided in Braille or audio CD.
SSEN's Customer and Community Advisor, Mel Grace said:
"It was wonderful to attend this Covid-safe event and to be able to guide attendees through the sign-up process, so we can help them through our Priority Services Register.
"While we've continued to work throughout the pandemic and help customers during power cuts, it was refreshing to be able to speak directly to customers at an event like this. Being able to sign up for our free PSR service on the day meant that many people were able to leave the event, reassured that they would receive the additional help they need should the power go off."
Glenda Woodville, Head of Services for Wiltshire Sight added:
"We want to make sure our clients are aware of the full range of services available to them, and are pleased to have valued partners like SSEN join us at this type of event to encourage individuals to join the Priority Services Register".
SSEN offers free, additional support to customers that need it through its Priority Services Register (PSR). Customers can qualify 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.
To find out more about the PSR and to register for the free, additional assistance available, click here or call 0800 294 3259.