UK Power Networks teams up with Diabetes UK to support vulnerable customers
Posted by: electime 10th November 2025
Electricity firm UK Power Networks has announced a new partnership with charity Diabetes UK to help support customers with diabetes.
The partnership will benefit people living with diabetes, many of whom rely on electricity for safe storage of medications and essential medical equipment.
The electricity company delivers power to 8.5 million people across London, the East and the South East and is promoting its Priority Services Register (PSR) to customers with diabetes who may not be aware of the benefits available through the service.
Almost 4.6 million people in the UK are living with a diagnosis of diabetes, which is an all-time high.
Customers registered on the PSR will receive tailored, practical support, including advance notice of planned power cuts and access to additional help if they rely on electricity for medical reasons. Power supplies are 99.9% reliable but occasional power cuts can happen for a variety of reasons.
People calling Diabetes UK’s Helpline and support services will be signposted to register if they are eligible for the extra support, particularly those in underrepresented communities.
This collaboration is part of UK Power Networks’ ongoing commitment to help families who rely on power for medical equipment.
The partnership will see staff at Diabetes UK trained to identify UK Power Networks customers reaching out for help, who are eligible to apply. In return, UK Power Networks’ customer service staff will be trained to become Diabetes Ambassadors to make sure customers with the condition are identified as soon as possible when they contact the electricity network. Both organisations have details about the PSR on their websites.
James Beeby, director of engagement and fundraising at Diabetes UK, said: “For people living with diabetes, power cuts aren’t just inconvenient, they can have serious consequences. It’s vital that people with diabetes can safely store their life-saving insulin and that they have access to essential equipment needed to manage their condition. That’s why being on the Priority Services Register is so important. It ensures people can get the right support quickly when the unexpected happens. Through our partnership with UK Power Networks, we’re making sure our Helpline and website teams are ready to signpost as many eligible people as possible to sign up and stay safe.”
Diksha Bhathela, from UK Power Networks’ customer service team, said: “We’re proud to partner with Diabetes UK to better support customers living with diabetes. Many people in this community are medically dependent on electricity, for example, to store insulin, and may not be aware of the help available through our Priority Services Register. This collaboration raises awareness of the PSR ensuring vulnerable customers are informed, protected, and supported during any power disruptions.”
See eligibility criteria at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, call 0800 169 9970, or email psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk for more information.
