SSE’s networks business (SSEN) is expanding the eligibility of its Priority Services Register to include those at risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
Nearly 750,000 customers are signed-up to the free service, including those with a young baby, over 60s and people who rely on electricity for home medical equipment.
It will now include customers considered ‘high risk’ and ‘extremely high risk’ of severe illness from coronavirus, this includes people who have received an NHS letter advising them to socially shield for 12-weeks.
Julie Walker, SSEN’s Social Obligations Manager, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has changed things for us all, and with everyone doing their bit to ensure they keep themselves, their friends, family and loved ones safe during the pandemic, here at SSEN we continue to focus on ensuring those most vulnerable are supported by our dedicated teams.
“By expanding the eligibility for our PSR we want to offer some reassurance in these worrying times, and so I’d encourage anyone who thinks that they, a family member, friend or neighbour could benefit from the extra help that is on offer, to get in touch, we’d love to hear from them.”
A new dedicated 80-strong team has been set up to proactively contact customers who may be at risk of social isolation during the lockdown period – checking in on their welfare and pointing them towards further community support.
Julie added: “We’re also very aware that a lot of our elderly customers rely on their regular lunch clubs and coffee mornings for social interaction, and with these postponed at the moment they may not be having as much contact with the outside world. This new programme of proactive calls is our way of letting the more elderly PSR customers know that we’re still here for them, and hopefully we’ll have a good few friendly chats in the process.”
For more information, or to register, please visit our priority services page.