The North West’s power network operator has launched a region wide mission to support one million households via its Extra Care register.
In a move to further enhance its support for customers, SP Electricity North West is issuing a rallying call for eligible households within its operating area to sign up to its register and benefit from free support.
930,000 households from Cumbria to Cheshire already receive enhanced support during planned and unplanned power cuts.
Now, to launch its ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign, the power network operator wants to close in on its one million household target as thousands of properties remain eligible for the free service.
Samantha Loukes, head of customer inclusion for SP Electricity North West, said: “Our mission to reach one million households is about making sure no one is left behind.
“We’ve seen an excellent uptake in the last 12 months with tens of thousands of eligible households who may need a little extra care during a power cut, joining our register."
The Extra Care Register is specifically designed to help people who may need extra support. Having a wide registration criteria, your household is eligible if you’re of state pension age, are pregnant or have a child under five, as well as those with disabilities, chronic illness, or a reliance on electricity for medical equipment.
Across the region, Ribble Valley, Trafford, Stockport, Wigan and Lancaster boast the biggest gaps for those eligible who aren’t yet on the register, with thousands more also eligible to join across the North West.
SP Electricity North West’s campaign will see activity rolled out the region informing people that there is an easier way to get help in a power cut but joining the register.
Emphasis will be placed on the benefits of the Extra Care register and targeting communities that may not be aware if the benefits or they are actually eligible to register.
People can apply online by post or by speaking to SP Electricity North West direct. The firm’s contact centre agents are also specifically trained to offer Extra Care register enrolment when dealing with any queries.
“By expanding our Extra Care register, we’re building a service which allows us to provide the best possible response to our customers,” added Loukes.
“The colder months are fast approaching and its always best if people register now and not in the middle of storms or power cuts. While we will absolutely respond, it’s vital we know at the earliest opportunity so we can deploy our teams to provide households with the best support.”
Households can check eligibility and register by visiting www.enwl.co.uk/extracare. People can also register their relatives or neighbours, despite not being eligible themselves.
