Northern Powergrid is advising South Tynesiders to follow three steps to be winter ready.

Northern Powergrid is encouraging customers in South Tyneside to take three simple steps now to be winter ready.

Building on recent government advice, the company which delivers electricity to 3.9 million homes and businesses is reassuring customers that its teams stand ready to respond if severe weather causes power cuts this winter, while encouraging people to think about how they can be prepared.

The message is simple: Save. Report. Support.

Be prepared

Keep a torch with spare batteries in an accessible location.
Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and keep a power bank as a backup.
If you use electrically powered medical equipment, make sure you have a plan.

Save

Save 105 in your phone, the national freephone number to report a power cut or anything unsafe.

Report

Report and track a power cut online at northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts.

Northern Powergrid encourages customers to be prepared for winter | Northern Powergrid

placeholder image — Northern Powergrid encourages customers to be prepared for winter | Northern Powergrid

Support

Find out about the support available, including Northern Powergrid's free Priority Services Membership.

The scheme supports 1.45 million customers, representing around 90% of those estimated to be eligible across Northern Powergrid's operating region.

It is available to customers who:

are medically dependent on electricity;
are of pensionable age;
are parents of children aged five or under;
have hearing, visual or other communication needs;
have mobility issues; or
live with a chronic illness, disability or mental health condition.

Members receive additional support during a power cut, including priority updates, welfare checks and practical assistance based on their individual circumstances.

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Northern Powergrid is asking anyone who depends on electricity for medical or care equipment to speak to their healthcare provider about suitable backup power arrangements.

Louise Lowes, Northern Powergrid's Director of Customer Service, said: "We prepare for winter throughout the year, investing in our network and making sure our teams are ready to respond when customers need us most. Now we're encouraging customers to take some simple steps now, so they are prepared too.

“Our advice is straightforward. Be prepared, save 105, use our online power cut map to report outages and receive updates, and find out what support is available, including through our free Priority Services Membership.”