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105 POWER CUT LINE CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS OF SUPPORTING CUSTOMERS

105 Birthday cake - websize.jpgThis month the free 105 power cut number celebrates four years of supporting customers and ensuring they get through to their local network operator if they need to report a power cut.

Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the network that distributes electricity to 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, now receives more than 70% of its calls to report a power cut or an electricity network emergency through the three-digit number.

The service, which was launched in September 2016, complements the network operator’s online power cut map and 24-hour social media services and it will remain a key part of the company’s future approach to supporting the people and communities it serves.

Emerging Thinking cover - Aug 2020Neil Applebee, Northern Powergrid's Director of People and Customer Service, said: “We’ve started the journey to create our new business plan for 2023 and beyond and providing high standards in customer service is a key part of this. Through our Emerging Thinking publication – which gives a first look at our thinking around improving network resilience and environmental protection and delivering energy decarbonisation – we will be engaging with our customers and other key stakeholders on how we can further enhance customer service across the whole of our business. We will explore with our customers potential new ways they would like to communicate with us in the future about a new connection or in power cut, so we ensure they can receive the support they need, the way they want it.”

Neil continued: “Network companies like Northern Powergrid are custodians of critical national infrastructure. The strong performance of the 105 single emergency number over the last four years has been matched by continued investment in our network and increased customer satisfaction. As we head into the autumn, we remain ready to play our part in supporting the UK’s response to COVID-19 and enabling the green shoots of economic recovery.  We are also ready to be there for our customers as we move closer towards the British winter and the challenges that it can bring.”

The national freephone power cut number was launched after figures revealed that 72% of people didn’t know who to contact if they had a power cut, with a further 43% indicating that they would incorrectly call their electricity supplier, who they pay their bill to, when in fact they should contact their local electricity network operator. The 105 power cut number gives people a direct route to the local company that manages the network that powers their everyday life.  The simplicity of the number – and commitment to promoting it by Northern Powergrid and fellow GB network operators – has helped it go from strength to strength. 

More information about 105 and electricity network operators can be found at www.powercut105.com. The 105 website also provides direct links and details of how to contact network operators online and via social media to get information and updates about a power cut.

To find out more about Northern Powergrid’s Emerging Thinking publication and have a say in its future business plans visit www.northernpowergrid.com