Vulnerable people in South Lincolnshire will get extra support to combat fuel poverty and stay warm this winter, thanks to a vulnerability pledge made by National Grid’s electricity distribution business.
National Grid looks after the cables, poles, pylons and substations that deliver electricity to homes, businesses and vital services across the Midlands, South West and South Wales.
Since autumn 2021, grassroots organisations in South Lincolnshire have received more than £149,000 from National Grid’s ground-breaking Community Matters Fund, which was set up to tackle pressing issues like fuel poverty and social isolation. A further round of grants from the fund will be announced this month.
This winter, the company will also increase the number of people on its extensive Priority Services Register, delivering tailored support to more vulnerable customers than ever before in the event of a power cut.
National Grid is also working with partner agencies to help the most vulnerable access fuel poverty support to heat their homes during the colder months.
These are among the pledges in National Grid’s latest distribution Business Plan which details the company’s commitment to support vulnerable customers.
This includes not only customers who are at risk of fuel poverty or struggling to pay for their energy but also those who rely on electricity for life-saving medical equipment at home, such as dialysis machines and respirators, as well as customers who are elderly or looking after very young children and need the guarantee of a warm home.
This winter, National Grid has also pledged to do all it can to help customers prepare for winter, providing tips and guidance in the event of potential supply interruptions caused by cold weather and storms.
Power cuts can happen for a number of reasons so customers are advised to keep a torch handy (along with working batteries), as well as a power bank or solar charger for mobiles and other devices. It’s also a good idea to protect valuable electrical equipment with a surge protector and to ensure mains-operated chair lifts are equipped with a manual release handle.
Anyone can report a power cut by calling 105 so it’s worth keeping this number somewhere safe or storing it in a mobile phone.
As part of its distribution Business Plan, National Grid is also committed to ensuring vulnerable customers can benefit from the transition to a smart energy system, enabling them to access low carbon technologies like heat pumps and solar generation.
Chris Hayton, Head of External Affairs for distribution at National Grid, said: “We’re proud to have led the way when it comes to delivering bespoke services to protect those most vulnerable in the communities we serve. This includes tailored support during power cuts, as well as initiatives to tackle fuel poverty and maximising opportunities for customers to participate in, and benefit from, the smart energy transition. “This winter and beyond, we are stepping up our commitment even further
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