Nottingham City Council is urging older people and those with disabilities to sign up for a scheme that would give them priority for reconnection should gas, electricity or water supplies be interrupted.

Priority Services Registers are operated by utility companies to give vulnerable people additional support and special services.

Residents can seek to be added to a Priority Service Register if they are of pensionable age; disabled; chronically sick; blind or partially sighted; deaf or hearing impaired. Many of the services are free.

One of the most important benefits for registered residents is that they will be prioritised for reconnection if supplies are interrupted. Although storm Barney, which was experienced last week, did not result in disruption to electricity supply the same cannot be guaranteed of future storms as the winter progresses. Such weather events provide a strong reason to sign up.

With the rise of scams instigated by unknown doorstep callers most suppliers have introduced an agreed password scheme as one of their Priority Services. So not only will the company’s representatives present photo identification but they will also use the pre-agreed password set up when you register.

Councillor Graham Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Resources and Neighbourhood Regeneration, said, “Nottingham City Council is keen to get the message out that gas, electricity and water suppliers offer their most vulnerable customers extra support through their Priority Services Registers.

“If you are a carer of someone who would benefit from the schemes or would benefit directly we would recommend you pick up the phone and get registered. Not only is it easy to sign up but nearly every additional service on offer under the scheme is completely free of charge.”

“The Priority Services awareness campaign is one of a number of schemes to receive funding as part of a Council initiative aimed at supporting good ideas put forward by staff.”

Other priority services include advance notice of supply interruption, provision of alternative cooking and heating facilities if supply interrupted, bills being sent to a relative, or carer; a free quarterly meter readings, and annual safety gas checks. Fuller details of many of the services available can be found on www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/priorityservices however the services on offer from each supplier may vary.

If you wish to register a relative they need to be present when you are making the call.

To register you will need to call each of your utility providers using the numbers below:

Gas/Electric

British Gas – 0800 072 8625
Eon – 0800 0511 480
EDF – 0800 269 450
SSE – 0800 622 838
npower – 080 172 6999
Scottish Power – 0800 027 0072
Robin Hood Energy – the not-for-profit energy company recently launched by the City Council
0800 030 4567

Water
Severn Trent Water – 08457 500 500

Notes to Editor

For further information on this please contact Paul Millward, Head of Resilience, Nottingham City Council
0115 8762980  or by email – paul.millward@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Or

Paul Burns, Communications and Marketing Officer, Nottingham City Council on 0115 876 3352, email – paul.burns@nottinghamcity.gov.uk