Wednesday 20 May 2020

UK Power Networks branches out to deliver more than just power

UK Power Networks branches out to deliver more than just power

Takeaways will be delivered to customers’ homes during more complex power cuts during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hot meals will be dispatched to UK Power Networks’ customers in London, the South East and East of England since the firm, which delivers an essential service, teamed up with Deliveroo and Uber Eats this month. Providing meals for customers during extended power interruptions isn’t new but with most restaurants still closed during Covid-19, the firm has now changed tack to make doorstep deliveries instead!

One surprised customer received a chocolate birthday cake for her daughter after a power cut struck during their celebrations. She said: “Thank you, you certainly went above and beyond to help make my daughter’s birthday!”

Power supplies are 99.9% reliable and they’re half the length they used to be, but temporary interruptions to supplies can still happen for a range of reasons.

Ian Cameron, head of customer services and innovation said: “We appreciate how difficult it can be to be without power, particularly at the moment. We send our engineers out to restore the power, and can sometimes do it by remote control, but occasionally it can take longer than we’d like. When that happens we do everything we can to make an unfortunate inconvenience, a little bit easier for our customers and a hot meal can really help.”

Juan Diego Farah, global head of Deliveroo for Business said: “We’re proud to be working with UK Power Networks to make sure we deliver the food people need if they are unfortunately affected by a temporary power cut. As people in this situation isolate at home and are unable to leave home for a bite to eat, we will ensure that they have a warm meal delivered safely to them in as little as under 30 minutes.”

A spokesperson for Uber Eats said: "We have been working around the clock to meet the needs of communities and businesses impacted by this health crisis across the UK. We're pleased to now also be working with UK Power Networks to help them send delicious meals to their customers' doors, when they need it most."

In the event of a power cut, UK Power Networks can be contacted 24hrs a day, 365 days a year by ringing 105 or tweeting @ukpowernetworks. The latest updates are also on the live power cut map on its website.

The firm also runs a Priority Services register for pensioners, families with young children and people with special needs, disabilities or health conditions. Being on the register doesn’t mean engineers can get your power back on quicker, but it does mean staff know about your situation and can provide additional help and support including updates about progress to fix the problem. You can apply to join the register by visiting www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, calling 0800 169 9970, or emailing psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

Trending Articles