Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is calling on its Thames Valley communities to reassess their resilience measures, and how their needs in responding to power cuts and emergency situations may have changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With nearly one million customers living and working in rural and urban areas across SSEN's Thames Valley region � which covers locations including Bracknell, High Wycombe, Newbury, Reading and Slough � the network operator is calling on Local Resilience Forums and support groups to get in touch to discuss the free, additional help that can be offered to communities and vulnerable individuals.

SSEN is offering to help community and resilience groups formalise the support networks they have established and developed during the pandemic, and to build their own cohesive contingency plans to see them through situations which could adversely affect residents and local businesses.

SSEN's Customer Relationship Manager, Bryan Puszkar said:

"We are aware of great work going on across our Thames Valley communities and want to help them further build their resilience, so they are confident and strong in the event of severe weather, emergency situations or unplanned power outages.

"The diverse needs of communities and individuals may have changed as a result of the pandemic and we want to offer up-to-date solutions and guidance to help prevent people feeling or becoming vulnerable during a time of crisis."

He added:

"SSEN already offers additional, free help through our Priority Services Register (PSR) and YES Energy Solutions, who offerfree, expert advice on energy efficiency, but I would ask local groups to contact us to assist in incorporating these and other services into their own contingency plans, and help keep their communities safe."

To find out how SSEN can help you to develop your community resilience and contingency plans, please email Bryan Puszkar at bryan.puszkarsse.com or call direct on 07876837359.

SSEN has extended the PSR eligibility criteria to those who are categorised at �high risk' and �extremely high risk' of severe illness from coronavirus, so they are now eligible to sign up for additional support through the free, tailored service. Customers are also eligible for SSEN's free priority servicesif 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

SSEN produces its Priority Services Register leaflets in 11 different languages; all of which are also available to read and download from its website. To find out more, please go to www.ssen.co.uk/psr or call 0800 294 3259.

Customers can also prepare for the possibility of an unplanned power cut by:

  • Saving the emergency power cut number � 105 � to your phone to report power cuts or damage to the electricity network
  • Downloading SSEN's Power Track app to give you details of power cuts and restoration times. You can also report power cuts and network damage through the Power Track appand find EV charge points near to you in the event of a power cut
  • Going to SSEN's website where there is a wealth of advice and information on how to deal with a power cut, or to chat live to one of SSEN's advisors via its Webchat service
  • Following SSEN onFacebookandTwitterfor regular updates