Darker nights prompt Northumbrian Water reminder about free service to protect customers

As the clocks go back and the darker evenings return, Northumbrian Water is encouraging people across the North East to help protect elderly relatives and neighbours by signing up to its free Priority Services register.

The company offers a range of support for any customers who may need a little extra help, including a password scheme designed to provide reassurance for homeowners when answering the door.

The password service allows customers to choose a unique password which Northumbrian Water employees will provide when they visit, helping to protect themselves from bogus callers posing as water company workers.

Anyone can sign up to the Priority Services register if they would benefit from additional support, whether that’s due to age, disability, illness, mobility issues, or because they have young children at home.

Friends, family members and carers can also register someone on their behalf, with their permission.

Lisa Connell, Northumbrian Water’s Customer Service Manager, said: “We know that the darker evenings can leave some customers feeling more vulnerable at home, so it’s a timely reminder to think about friends and family members who may benefit from a little extra support.

"Our password scheme is one of the easiest ways to help customers feel confident that anyone claiming to be from Northumbrian Water is who they say they are. Customers can choose their own password and if we need to visit their home, we'll use it to confirm our identity.”

Customers on the Priority Services Register can also request extra time to answer the phone or door, receive information in large print, braille or alternative languages, and access additional support during interruptions to water supplies.

For those who rely on water for medical reasons or have limited mobility, this can include bottled water delivered directly to their home.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.nwl.co.uk/priorityservices.