The South Dartmoor Community Energy Advice Team are holding sign up sessions in Dartmouth, Ivybridge, Totnes and Kingsbridge during March.

The South Dartmoor Community Energy Advice Team are encouraging eligible local residents to get on their energy company’s Priority Services Register, so that they don’t get left in the dark if there’s a power cut.

The registers help the energy companies to identify vulnerable consumers and those with additional needs, so that they can provide them with better customer services and support.

It is free to go on the register and benefits can include; extra meter readings to avoid estimated bills, getting bills in different formats, password schemes to protect you from cold callers, more direct helpline numbers, free annual gas safety checks and perhaps most importantly, priority help during power cuts.

Energy Advisor, Katie Reville commented: “Many people are unaware of the Priority Services Registers (PSRs) so we are working hard to raise awareness of them through talks to community groups and drop in advice sessions.

“To qualify for the registers people need only be of pensionable age, or have a disability or a long term medical condition. People who rely on electricity for medical equipment are especially vulnerable if there’s a power cut and so it is essential that the companies know where these people are and how to contact them.”

The Advisors are holding drop in PSR Sign Up Sessions across the area during March to get residents signed up to the relevant PSRs.

The sessions are taking place on the following dates between 10am-12pm. On Friday, March 10, in Kingsbridge Rest Centre, Thursday, March 16, in Townstal, Dartmouth – venue TBC, Monday, March 20, in Ivybridge Library from 10-12.30 and Wednesday, March 22, in Totnes Library.

All of the energy advice is free and impartial and can also include help with fuel bills, energy efficiency and choosing the best energy deal. Residents can also contact their energy companies directly about their Priority Services Register. The contact number should be on a recent fuel bill.

For further information on South Dartmoor Community Energy and the services they offer please visit www.southdartmoorcommunityenergy.org or call 0800 112 3044.