16 March 2006 00:00 Central Networks’ new Winter Care initiative commended by South Staffordshire Age Concern

Central Networks, the electricity distribution for central England, has been praised by Age Concern for its ground breaking initiative to support the elderly in south Staffordshire during power cuts over the winter months.

For the first time this winter, the company, which is apart of E.ON UK, distributed special Winter Care packs to some of its most vulnerable customers through Age Concern offices in Stafford, Burntwood, Walsall, Cannock, Tamworth, Lichfield and Burton-on-Trent.

Central Networks Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson, said: “The possibility of power cuts can be a source of worry during the winter months – particularly for the elderly.

“We designed our special packs to help these customers keep warm and safe during problems on our power network and we’ve been delighted with how well they’ve been received.”

The packs were designed with the support of Age Concern, which distributed nearly 1,000 through its local offices.
A further 1,500 were handed out by Central Networks’ two customer support vehicles, which are despatched to help customers in areas where there is loss of supply.

Nick Maslen, Chief Executive of Age Concern South Staffordshire said: “This is a great idea and benefits the older people in our area should they be involved in a temporary problem.”

Each Winter Care pack contains:
- Emergency phone numbers;
- Fleece blanket;
- Pair of gloves;
- Re-usable hand warmer;
- Torch complete with batteries;
- Pack of biscuits;
- Leaflet about Central Networks; and
- Geographic location map.

Phil said: “I believe it is vital that our customers should have confidence in how we operate and this scheme has done much to reinforce their belief in us.

“We’ve had a huge amount of positive feedback with many people taking the trouble to write and thank us.”

Distribution of the Winter Care packs began last year and parts of it can be re-used throughout the colder months and offer further comfort and security.

Ends

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information and photos contact:
Rebecca Middleton on 024 7642 5779