Electricity, gas and water companies in Northern Ireland, together with the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, have partnered with the Utility Regulator to raise awareness of Customer Care Registers. The registers offer free additional services to customers who may need extra help due to a disability, health condition, communication need or personal circumstances.

Sinéad Dynan, Head of Consumer Protection at the Utility Regulator, said the campaign aims to ensure that everyone who could benefit from additional support knows it is available. She noted that eligibility can include people experiencing a difficult life event such as bereavement, and encouraged people to consider whether family members, friends or neighbours might also qualify.

All electricity and gas suppliers, NIE Networks and NI Water maintain their own Customer Care Registers. The services provided vary between companies and according to individual circumstances.

NIE Networks' register offers additional support and information during a power cut or planned interruption for people who rely on electrical medical equipment at home, such as specialised mattresses, feeding systems, oxygen equipment, home dialysis or medicine refrigeration.

NI Water's register provides additional services if water supply is interrupted for customers who may require extra support because of their age, a serious medical condition or other personal circumstances.

Electricity and gas suppliers also offer free additional services through their registers. Consumers are encouraged to contact their supplier, NIE Networks or NI Water directly to find out more and register.