September is one of the busiest months for babies being born. That’s why we’re reminding families to check if they could benefit from free extra help through the Priority Services Register.
Official birth data for England and Wales traditionally shows a peak in babies born towards the end of September. For new or expecting parents, it’s also an important moment to make sure your household is registered for the right support if your energy supply is ever affected.
The Priority Services Register is a free service that enables us and other utility companies to tailor support for customers who may need extra assistance if their gas, electricity or water supply is ever affected.
Who can join?
If you’re medically dependent on energy, it’s vital to join. Households are also eligible for free extra support if someone has:
- children under five,
- a disability or long-term health condition,
- is of pensionable age,
- has visual or hearing impairment
- has additional communication needs, or
- is temporarily experiencing vulnerable circumstances.
Anyone who is expecting a baby can also request to be temporarily added to the free Priority Services Register by providing their due date.
Once your baby is born, you can remain a Priority Services customer until your child turns five.
Laura Ratcliffe, our Head of Social Strategy, said: “Welcoming a baby is an exciting but busy time, and energy support may not be the first thing on a family’s mind. But if there’s ever an interruption to gas supplies in your area it’s important to be prepared today so you and your little one can be safer tomorrow.
“By being on the Priority Services Register we can identify any households that may need extra advice, reassurance or practical support until our teams can safely reconnect their gas supply.
“It’s free to join, and support can be temporary or longer term depending on your medical or personal circumstances.
“If you – or someone you know – is expecting a baby, has recently welcomed a new arrival, or already has children under five at home but is not registered, take action and sign up today so you don’t miss out on support if you ever need it in the future.”
How do we support Priority Services customers?
During a gas outage we can provide dedicated home visits to check on you, help with alternative cooking and heating facilities, and access to wider welfare support services like hot food and drinks.
You can also ask for information in ways that work for you. This can include accessible formats, alternative languages, and support through a nominated contact.
We also work with a strong network of local partners to help our customers stay safe, warm and well.
They support customers in vulnerable situations, share gas and carbon monoxide safety advice, provide energy efficiency advice and offer safe spaces in NGN-funded Centres for Warmth.
These partners provide trusted, community-led support for people who may be facing challenges due to the current cost-of-living crisis or their health or personal situation.
Priority Services customers who could be benefit from extra support can be referred to these partners for independent support to help reduce energy costs, maximise their income and access support services in their community.
How to become a Priority Services customer and keep your family safe
- Sign up to the Priority Services Register online, email [email protected] or call 0800 040 7766, and select option 4.
- Get your boiler and other gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe engineer so your new family stays safe and warm.
- Save the National Gas Emergency Service number: 0800 111 999 to your mobile so you know who to call if you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide.