The energy provider, which connects four million homes and businesses in central southern England and the north of Scotland, already offers a priority service to more than one million of its customers, and is urging people with lung conditions to sign up to the network’s priority services register.
Registering means access to round-the-clock notice on power cuts and a dedicated support line as well as a personalised power cut plan. To sign up go to: Priority services - SSEN.
Lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis affect twelve million people in the UK – with one in five at risk of developing a respiratory illness over their lifetime.
Cold weather and seasonal viruses mean people with breathing difficulties are more vulnerable to worsening symptoms during the winter. However, being on the priority services register should give people with lung conditions the reassurance that they can keep their homes warm and continue to use vital medical equipment like oxygen concentrators and continuous airway pressure (CPAP) machines, even in the event of a power cut.
Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said:
“Winter is a particularly dangerous time for people with lung conditions, which is why our new partnership with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) could not have come at a better time.
“With the colder weather now here, the charity is delighted this collaboration will protect thousands of people with lung conditions across the north of Scotland and central southern England from power cuts, through offering timely support and health advice.”
SSEN’s Partnership and Vulnerability Engagement Manager, Susan Duncan, said:
“We are delighted to partner with Asthma + Lung UK to support more people during power outages and emergencies, helping them to manage their condition while we work quickly to restore their power.
“We’re working to increase awareness of our Priority Services, as well as Asthma + Lung UK’s advice and support services too.”
If you are worried about yours or someone else’s breathing this winter, you can call Asthma + Lung UK’s helpline on 0300 222 5800. You can also sign up to receive the charity’s winter health guide on Asthma + Lung UK
Notes to Editors
For more information or for interview requests, please contact the press team on 0207 786 4949 or press@asthmaandlung.org.uk.
Asthma + Lung UK
Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research and provide advice and support for the twelve million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment. For further information visit asthmaandlung.org.uk.