Thousands of new parents and grandparents missing out on extra help for their little ones

Being prepared for a new arrival in the family is an exciting time but thousands of new parents – and grandparents - across the region could be missing out on free extra support for their little ones.

Every day more than 1,600* babies are born in England and Wales and in the weeks leading up to the birth being prepared is focused on getting cars seats installed, prams and cribs assembled and clothes and nappies at the ready.

As new parents settle into a new way of life with a baby in their home, many may not realise that there are other ways to be prepared for the months and years ahead.

We are encouraging new parents and grandparents across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire to sign up to our free Priority Services Membership.

Whether they’ve welcomed a new born baby – or have a child aged five or under – thousands of people are eligible to join the network operator’s free service which provides extra advice and support in a power cut. The service is also available to any grandparents who are of pensionable age.

Louise Lowes, Director of Customer Service, said: “I remember the excitement and challenges of becoming a new parent and caring for your bundle of joy who has completely changed your world.

“Parenthood is a huge change so it’s important to be as prepared as possible.  We understand that if you have a baby or little ones and your power is ever affected, it can be more challenging. That’s why joining our free Priority Services Membership is important once your baby is born. 

“If we know you have a little one in your home, we can offer extra advice and – if it’s a long duration power cut – we can direct you to any potential support we may have in your community like our customer support vehicles with phone charging points, hot water and bottle and food warming facilities or any local community hubs.

“Our website also offers lots of top tips to help people be prepared before a power cut. With little ones we all have the changing bag ready - but what about ensuring you have a grab bag in your home containing charged power banks, torches, warm clothes and long-life baby food or premade formula if you’re bottle feeding.

“Our investments of around £1m a day on managing, maintaining and improving our network mean that power cuts aren’t an everyday occurrence for our customers but being prepared is important – especially in winter when severe weather can increase the risk of damage to your local electricity network.”

To join our free Priority Services Membership visit northernpowergrid.com/care to sign up online or call 0800 169 2996. The service is there to support people who may be medically dependent on electricity, of pensionable age, a parent of a child under the age of five or who have specific communication needs, poor mobility, a serious illness or mental health care needs.

We also works with a range of independent partners who can share advice and support available to local people about energy saving advice, cost of living challenges and support with low carbon technology so no one is left behind. Visit northernpowergrid.com/force-for-good to find out more.

Being a Priority Services Member does not mean a customer’s electricity supply will be restored first or protected, it means that we will know what extra advice and support a customer may need, before, during or after a power cut so we can seek to provide additional assistance, wherever possible. It also helps us inform any wider regional responses led by local resilience partners - such as local authorities and emergency services - in a major incident so support is targeted to those who need it most.

A range of energy and utility companies across the UK provide free priority services. To find out what services are available from local electricity, gas and water network operators visit www.thepsr.co.uk/