Health bosses around the North East are urging vulnerable people to "stay switched on" amid rocketing energy bills by applying for extra support if they're eligible.
The new campaign is highlighting that many people who might be disabled, recovering from illness or injury or simply looking after young children could be able to sign up for the priority services register - which can ensure your energy supplier is aware of any extra needs you have.
This can mean priority support in an emergency, help reading your gas and electricity meters, and even help reconnecting your gas supply if necessary. It's a free service and health leaders in our region want to ensure people have that "extra peace of mind" this winter.
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Samantha Allen, chief executive of the North East and North Cumbria NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) has previously written to energy regulator Ofgem to raise concerns about the risk of vulnerable people being disconnected from their energy supplies. Now, as part of the new campaign she is urging people whose health might be under threat to ask for help.
She said: "It's a tough winter for many people, particularly people who need extra support. If you rely on power for essential medical equipment, a health condition or if you struggle to get to the door in an emergency, access your meter or read your energy bills, your supplier can help.
"A disrupted energy supply can have a big impact on vulnerable patients, and we want to make sure people have the support they need. Getting registered means your supplier knows who you are and what help you need.
"Good health is not just about treating sickness – it's also about keeping well. We have already contacted Ofgem to raise concerns about the risks that any disruption of energy supply means for the health of our most vulnerable patients."
And South Tyneside Council's director of public health Tom Hall added this was a "simple step" that could really help those in need. He added: "Joining the priority services register enables you to get extra help at difficult moments - for example, if there's a power cut, they can make welfare calls to anyone needing to use medical equipment.
"It’s a simple step that could provide extra peace of mind in a difficult winter. If you know anyone who could benefit from joining the register, please let them know and encourage them to sign up."
Ofgem's director of retail Neil Lawrence added: "We know this is a tougher winter than usual for a lot of people, so it’s vital that customers get all the support available for them. We want to urge people to check with their supplier whether they may benefit from services available through the Priority Services Register - we know that not everyone eligible is currently benefitting."
He also said suppliers "should also be proactive" and reach out to their vulnerable customers.
This is the list of conditions which could mean you get extra support:
- If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, a hearing or sight condition, or a mental health condition
- If you are recovering from an injury
- If you are pregnant or live with children under five
If you rely on medical equipment that requires a power supply
- If you have extra communication needs - such as poor English skills
- If you are a pensioner or would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency
There could be other conditions meaning you might get priority support - to find out more visit the Ofgem website.
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