Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is extending its support to communities and customers during the coronavirus outbreak with a donation of £20,000 to Citizens Advice Scotland.
The funding is supporting the charity to remotely deliver a much-needed and valued service as they respond to the impact that the virus continues to have on communities and individuals across Scotland.
The Citizens Advice network in Scotland supports thousands of clients seeking advice on areas including energy and finance.
SSEN and Citizens Advice Scotland joined forces last year to support households and help reduce fuel poverty, with SSEN funding four energy advisers to support local Citizens Advice Bureaux in the north of Scotland.
Now, as more people are finding themselves becoming vulnerable – physically, mentally or financially – as a result of coronavirus and the measures being taken during the outbreak, SSEN has gifted the charity £20,000 to help them remotely accommodate the additional needs of those seeking advice.
Managing Director of SSEN, Colin Nicol, said:
“At Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, we understand that we remain in uncertain times and we want to support our communities and customers.
“Citizens Advice Scotland is delivering crucial energy advice services, in addition to the many other areas of guidance they provide, to the thousands of people who contact them each year.
“This is a difficult and challenging time for many people and through this donation we know we can help the charity to extend the vital support they provide.
“I’d like to reassure our customers that SSEN continues to work closely with Government, Ofgem and other network operators to protect and support our customers, colleagues and communities.
“While the significant challenge posed by the of the coronavirus remains, I want our customers to know that we are working in accordance with Government guidelines to keep their power flowing, safely and reliably, and helping our nation respond to the coronavirus pandemic.”
Derek Mitchell, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, added:
“During this unprecedented crisis people need the help and support of the Citizens Advice network in Scotland more than ever.
“The levels of demand for advice have risen significantly and we have been expanding our delivery platforms to meet that challenge.
“This generous support from SSEN has helped to facilitate that process and to ensure that our services can be available to people who need our help during this challenging time.
“This is not the first time SSEN has given financial assistance to our network, and we appreciate their ongoing support.”
For more information on Citizens Advice Scotland or to get the latest advice on coronavirus support, visit cas.org.uk.
To find out more about the additional support available through SSEN’s Priority Services Register, please visit ssen.co.uk/psr, where SSEN’s multi-language PSR leaflets can also be accessed and downloaded.
