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Helping our customers 

1 June 2020

Supporting customers during COVID-19

We understand it’s a worrying time for many, and our first priority is always the safety of our staff and the public. We want to help make sure everyone has access to local services, should they need assistance. This  situation has required us to adapt, react and support our most vulnerable customers in new ways. This is a time to come together and go above and beyond.

What are we doing to help the most in need?

1. Providing information

 We have contacted the most vulnerable households on our Priority Services Register linking them to local community support groups. This to make sure they have access to local support in healthcare, food and wellbeing services.

We are also registering priority organisations such as hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, care homes, sheltered accommodation, medical centres, GP surgeries, and pharmacies for our ‘Extra Care Register’. Such organisations should call us on our registration line on 0800 19 69 970 to register themselves as a critical care agency who will need extra support from us during a power cut.

2. Coordinating with first responders

Our teams working out in the community will see who may require extra support. Where requested, we share information with first responders such as the emergency services, so they can quickly and efficiently help those in need.

3. Empowering front line staff
We have launched a new app for our engineers so they can directly help customers in vulnerable circumstances in the community. The app hosts useful information on medical support, coping with social isolation, wellbeing tips and more.
 
4. Being available 24/7

People can phone us free on 105, contact us online on our website, Facebook and Twitter.

British Sign Language (BSL) users can get in contact with us through our partners InterpreterNow and SignLive. Both companies help BSL users to communicate with hearing people by going on their website and connecting with an interpreter. To make it easier for you to contact us, we are in the directories of both SignLive and InterpreterNow. If you contact us using either of these services through their directories we will cover the cost of the call.

5. Coordinating support with other utilities and partners

 We are working closer than ever before with our partners to find ways to join forces and have a bigger impact in supporting those in need. 

Working with RNIB

RNIB is the UK’s leading sight loss charity and offers practical and emotional support to people living with sight loss. They can also connect people to local support and assist in signing up to telephone and online groups that may offer a source of comfort or company.  To get this support call 0303 123 9999 (lines open weekdays from 8am-8pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm.) 

If you have any questions on social distancing, shopping or mental health,  read the RNIB 'Frequently Asked Questions’ page.

If you have any ideas on how we can do more for our communities, please email us. 

Useful information pages

  • Do you need extra support?

    If you or someone you know is vulnerable, sign up to our Priority Services Register and we'll make sure those most in need get extra support.

    Register now

  • Need help with shopping or emotional support?  

    Mutual Aid Local Groups have being set up around the country. They are reaching out and supporting vulnerable people in their local area with everything from running errands to providing emotional support.

    Find out more

  • Have a question? 

    We understand that there may be a lot of questions about our services and how we're supporting our customers. Read our COVID-19 update for more information on what we are doing do keep the power on.

    Read now

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