Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution has delivered the first of 20,000 home battery packs to customers in need.
The network has delivered these packs at no cost to people who meet certain specific criteria, and who are signed up for its Priority Services. This includes those who are medically dependent on electricity to power equipment at home.
The new battery packs can assist in minimising the impact to people of any period without power. Subject to approval from the manufacturers of specialist in-home medical equipment, the battery may keep these devices operating for longer if there’s a power cut.
They can also be used with items providing light and heat, to charge mobile phones and laptops, or to power broadband routers. This will make it easier for people to keep in touch with carers, family or friends, and to get information they need if the electricity goes off, it said.
People who are eligible do not need to apply for a battery as 1.2 million SSEN Distribution customers are signed up for Priority Services. These people are offered extra help and advice before, during, and after a power cut. When customers sign up, their needs and circumstances are assessed. This process – together with data on the frequency of power cuts in their area – will determine if a customer is eligible for a battery. Some 94% of those who have been offered one since the launch of the scheme at the beginning of February have accepted it.
A dedicated SSEN team ran a six-month trial, providing batteries to 28 people who rely on powered medical equipment. All of them had experienced a recent power interruption due to a storm or essential network maintenance. This programme provided the project team with invaluable data and feedback.
Customers found their batteries easy to charge, use, and store. Their suggestions for improvements have been factored into the roll-out.
Eliane Algaard, SSEN Distribution’s Services Director, said:
“We’re proud to be able to deliver this first-of-a-kind benefit for our customers, to provide additional support for those most in need. People who used a Home Battery Pack during the trial told us it made a big difference to them. They said they felt more prepared because they knew how the battery could help support them in their own homes if the power went off for a time.
“Following this successful trial, and a lot of work from our team to select a battery that will meet customers’ needs and be easy-to-use, this is a huge moment as units are sent out to the first of many thousands of customers who will benefit from them the most.”
Ruth and Andy Miller, who live near Andover in Hampshire, have been using a battery as part the trial. Ruth said:
“Having a Home Battery Pack for the past several months has been really worthwhile for us. During this winter, we’ve had a brief power cut, so it’s been reassuring for us to know the battery’s been there if we needed it. Fortunately, no sooner had I got the battery set up, then our power went back on! But it’s given us both more peace of mind to know this battery will be able to help us in the event of a longer power cut.”
Christina Laing, who lives in the Western Isles and has been using a battery for several months as part of the pilot, said:
“I need use a mask during the night, so I’ve been happy to try the home battery pack out, and I’m glad I’ll be able to keep it now the trial is over. It’s given me a bit more reassurance to know that if the power were ever to go off, I’d have it to potentially help run my medical equipment.”
Vivienne Batchelor, who lives in Wiltshire and has been using a battery pack on a trial basis, said:
“My husband and I are both severely disabled, and having the home battery pack gives us extra peace of mind that in an emergency we can keep some of our most important electrical items going.”
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:
“Unpaid carers are often the first port of call when the power goes off, responsible for keeping family members and friends safe and supported at home.
“SSEN Distribution’s industry-first home battery packs give carers and their families vital reassurance and help reduce the stress of potential power loss.
“Combined with SSEN Distribution’s provision of Power Cut Plans to its Priority Services customers, this is the kind of innovation we hope other Distribution Network Operators will now adopt.”
Image from SSEN
