Sign up to free service which helps if you have a power cut

Residents in West Suffolk who might need extra help if a power cut ever happens, are urged to sign up to a special free register.

UK Power Networks delivers electricity to 8.3 million homes and businesses across the East of England, London and the South East, regardless of who residents pay their bills to. While power cuts are increasingly rare, severe weather can still damage overhead power lines and interrupt power supplies.

Being without electricity can be particularly worrying for people in vulnerable circumstances. The company has 1.7 million people signed up to its Priority Service Register but wants to ensure everyone eligible is aware of the free, extra support available including hot meals, home visits and hotel accommodation. This support is aimed at pensioners, families with young children and people with special needs, disabilities or health conditions.

There are more than 20 ways you can get information during an incident, including text messages, social media, whatsapp and web chat, plus sign language and interpreter services.

If you live in the East of England, please visit www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority to sign up, ring 105, or email psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk.

If you live in another part of the country, ring 105 to speak to your local electricity company.