Friday July 31 2026

Northern Powergrid reaches more customers across the North than ever before

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News Release

CASTLEFORD, England – July 31, 2026 – The figure represents almost 90% of eligible customers and comes as Northern Powergrid reports a record year for its wider vulnerability programmes.

Over the past year, 23,852 customers received fuel poverty advice and support, while almost 7,500 households accessed home energy and decarbonisation guidance.

Harry Carson, who plays a key role in Northern Powergrid’s Customer Vulnerability team, said:

"Supporting vulnerable customers remains one of our most important responsibilities, and this year we have reached more people than ever before.

"We know many households across our region continue to face challenges, whether that’s managing energy costs, living with a health condition or requiring extra assistance during a power cut.

"That’s why we’re delighted that 1.4 million customers are now registered for our Priority Services Membership, helping ensure we can provide the right support to the people who need it most.

"Alongside this, we’ve continued to provide practical help through our fuel poverty and home energy advice services, while strengthening our work with communities across the region.

"Through partnerships with organisations that are already trusted in their communities, we’re able to reach more people, raise awareness of the support available and help ensure vulnerable customers are better prepared and supported when they need us most."

A key part of this approach is Northern Powergrid’s dedicated Community Energy team, which has supported more than 80 projects in its first year and reached around 70,000 people through partnerships with community and voluntary organisations.

These partnerships not only support local energy projects but also help Northern Powergrid connect with communities, raise awareness of Priority Services Membership and other support services, and identify customers who may need additional help during power cuts.

One example is East Boldon Scouts in South Tyneside, which approached Northern Powergrid with plans to install solar panels and battery storage at its site.

Northern Powergrid’s Community Energy team supported the group by sharing expertise and helping develop a viable project, with the solar and battery system now installed.

The partnership has since created opportunities to engage with local families and community members through educational sessions covering electricity safety, preparing for power cuts, Priority Services Membership, and wider customer support.

A spokesperson for East Boldon Scouts said:

"The team are always quick to respond to our queries and accommodating in visiting us to discuss options at a time that works well for us as volunteers who all work full time.

"They are clearly very knowledgeable and share their expertise and experience generously, so we feel very well supported by them.”

Priority Services Membership is available to customers who may need extra assistance, including older people, people with disabilities, those living with medical conditions and families with young children.