Worthing residents risk missing out on free emergency support

Residents in Worthing currently risk missing out on free support in electricity emergencies, according to data from UK Power Networks.
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Power workers are urging people in Worthing to check if they or someone they know can join UK Power Networks’ Priority Services Register.

According to UK Power Networks, Worthing is one of the most under-represented areas in the South East, with only 60 per cent of eligible households registered.

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Those in Worthing most likely to miss out include families with children under five, households who cannot communicate easily in English, those of pensionable age and people with mental health conditions.

Those in Worthing most likely to miss out include families with children under fiveThose in Worthing most likely to miss out include families with children under five
Those in Worthing most likely to miss out include families with children under five

Giulia Privitera, social sustainability manager at UK Power Networks, said: “Emergencies on the electricity network do not happen often, but we know they can be an especially worrying time for households in vulnerable circumstances, whether they are ongoing or temporary situations that need a little bit of extra help.

"The register allows us to direct support where it’s needed.

“Joining the register does not always mean we can restore electricity supplies quicker but helps us target updates and offer additional support if needed, so people can plan their lives while our engineers work on the issue.

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"We can also put them in touch with an expert who can offer free independent advice on energy if they are worried about paying their fuel bills or need help to keep their home warm this winter.

According to UK Power Networks, Worthing is one of the most under-represented areas in the South East, with only 60 per cent of eligible households registered.According to UK Power Networks, Worthing is one of the most under-represented areas in the South East, with only 60 per cent of eligible households registered.
According to UK Power Networks, Worthing is one of the most under-represented areas in the South East, with only 60 per cent of eligible households registered.

“Our message to people in Worthing is that helping someone you care about join the register takes minutes. Being without power can be cold, uncomfortable and isolating and all of us can take an easy step to help our friends and neighbours, family and loved ones before they find themselves in this situation.”

UK Power Networks said that, in the past year, users of the Priority Services Register gave the service a 94 per cent customer satisfaction rating. The company has spent around £40,000 on meals and hotel stays provided to registered households.

The independent energy advice and support provided to customers in collaboration with community partners has saved up to £8.4 million 'over one year alone'.

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Over 65s, families with children under five, those who rely on medical equipment or with a disability, people who are hearing, sight or speech impaired, patients leaving hospital and people with any physical or mental health condition are all entitled to join the two million households already registered in London, the South East and east of England.

UK Power Networks added: "The company provides bespoke vulnerability training for its customer service team so they know how best to respond to a variety of different needs.

"The company has also partnered with experts like Scope and AgilityEco to expand the range of tailored support services available via helplines to anyone eligible for Priority Register Services who also need extra help to manage their energy bills and to keep their home warm."

To register for the free service visit: www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priorityservices.

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Water companies also provide free extra support to vulnerable households and UK Power Networks is urging residents to register with them at the same time.

To sign up for Southern Water’s Priority Services Register, visit www.southernwater.co.uk/help-advice/join-our-priority-services-register.