Priority Services: free support before, during and after a power cut
Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks logo
If you’re blind or partially sighted, Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks’ Priority Services can help.
By joining SSEN Distribution’s free Priority Services scheme, you’ll receive tailored support designed around your individual needs before, during and after a power cut. This includes accessible communications, advance notice of planned power cuts where possible, and additional support during an outage. You’ll also receive a free personalised Power Cut Plan, tailored to your circumstances and helping you prepare with greater confidence and peace of mind.
A white, female SSEN employee in a high-visibility jacket talks with a white, female customer at her kitchen table. The customer is wearing a hearing aid and her guide dog is sitting beside her.
Before a power cut: helping you stay prepared
The Priority Services programme is designed to ensure you have the information you need, in the format that works best for you.
If you’ve registered, SSEN can provide information in accessible formats, including large print, braille and audio. You’ll also receive advance notice of planned power cuts wherever possible, giving you time to make any arrangements you need ahead of an interruption.
Two Asian women sit together on a sofa, smiling as they read an SSEN Priority Services leaflet about free extra support during power cuts.
As part of the service, you’ll receive a personalised Power Cut Plan tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Whether you want to feel more prepared, understand the support available, or simply have a plan in place should the unexpected happen, the Power Cut Plan provides practical guidance designed around you.
During a power cut: keeping you informed
If the power goes off, knowing what’s happening and how long the interruption may last can provide valuable reassurance.
Priority Services’ customers receive power cut updates 24 hours a day, helping them stay informed throughout a power cut. Because SSEN already understands your communication preferences and support needs, any assistance provided can be tailored accordingly.
The service is designed to provide certainty when circumstances are uncertain, helping ensure you can access information and support in a way that works for you. Whether the interruption is planned or unexpected, you’ll know where to turn for information and support.
After a power cut: continued peace of mind
Priority Services aren’t just there for the duration of a power cut. The service is designed to support customers before, during and after a power cut, helping provide reassurance whenever it’s needed.
Customers can also choose to use SSEN’s password scheme, which allows you to set a unique password that can be used to verify any call or visit from an SSEN representative, providing an additional layer of confidence and security.
Helping you support your communities
The people you support in your communities are also our customers.
To help charities, community groups and partner organisations raise awareness of Priority Services, SSEN has developed a free Community Toolkit. The toolkit contains a range of practical, ready-to-use resources designed to make conversations about Priority Services simple and accessible.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, organisations can pick and choose from a variety of materials depending on what is most relevant to their stakeholders and communities. Whether you’re looking to share information through newsletters, social media, websites, community events or direct engagement, the toolkit provides flexible resources to help spread the word and encourage registrations.
Find out more and access the Community Toolkit at: Priority Services – Community Toolkit | SSEN.
Joining is quick, easy and free
Our Priority Services scheme is free to join, and no proof of eligibility is required. You can register yourself, or a family member, friend or carer can do so on your behalf. Customers who are blind or partially sighted are eligible to register and receive support tailored to their needs.
By joining Priority Services, you’ll have access to tailored support, accessible communications and a personalised Power Cut Plan designed around your needs, giving you greater confidence and peace of mind before, during and after a power cut.
To find out more or register, visit ssen.co.uk/visionary or call 0800 294 3259.
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