27 December 2006 00:00 Central Networks helps elderly keep warm and safe this winter

As the weather turns colder, Central Networks is working with Age Concern to offer its elderly and vulnerable customers special Winter Care Packs to help keep them warm and safe in the unlikely event of a power interruption.

Over 1,000 elderly and vulnerable customers have already received their packs which include hand-warmers, a blanket and a torch, as well as details of how to contact Central Networks, which is part of E.ON, in an emergency.

The packs have been handed out at a series of E.ON electric blanket testing days across the Midlands and through some local branches of Age Concern.

Customer Operations Manager Phil Wilson said: “Over the last month we’ve experienced high winds which have caused thousands of our customers to lose their electricity supply for a short period.

“The possibility of power cuts can be a source of worry – particularly for the elderly – so we decided to offer these packs to our customers.”

The packs were designed and rolled out in partnership with Age Concern for the first time last year and, after the success of that scheme, even more packs have been produced and will be handed out this winter.

Phil said: “We’re committed to going that extra mile for our customers and understand that when there is a power cut that’s when our customers really need our help.

“Our Winter Care Packs are one way in which we can help those customers who need some extra care.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 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:
Rebecca Middleton on 02476 183677
Ellie King on 02476 183678