On 07/02/2016 07:53, harry wrote:
On Saturday, 6 February 2016 12:50:45 UTC, David wrote:
I have recently received an email from UK Power Networks inviting me to
register for additional help in the event of a power cut.

Qualifications a

"Who can apply

* Customers who are dependent on medical equipment

* Customers who are chronically ill

* Customers with a disability

* Customers who are visually impaired or blind

* Customers who are hearing impaired or deaf

* Elderly customers

* A nursing or residential home

* Customers with young babies in household

* Any other case that you would like us to consider"

[Spaced out to prevent PAN scrunging it all together.]

One thing that struck me - nowhere does it define "Elderly".

I have passed the 65 point and am now in receipt of a State Pension (what
would one have been described as an Old Age Pensioner) so presumably I may
be considered to be "Elderly" but given that the pension age is rapidly
receding (I got mine just in time) there does seem to be no fixed point.

Strange that they don't give any guidance. Presumably avoiding conflict
and allowing anyone who feels "elderly" to apply. The application form
doesn't ask for age, either, so presumably if you are feeling clapped out
at 50 you still qualify.

I also have a chronic disease - T2 Diabetes - which is currently
(thankfully) well managed.

So I don't feel vulnerable to a power cut; firing up the wood burner and
rigging temporary lighting from the little Honda generator would be more
fun than anything else. Defence in depth - we could always live in the
camper for a few days until local bottled gas supplies ran out, at least.

Is this all a plot to make me feel old?

Cheers

Dave R

--
Windows 8.1 on PCSpecialist box

In the event ofa power cut, certain people allegedly have priority in having it restored.


Quite - at the councils and HAs (I've worked at) vulnerable households
are flagged on the system. In that way they can if possible prioritise
and tailor repairs and maintenance.

I'm not sure that 'being 65' or disabled, or having children,
necessarily makes people vulnerable - just more likely.

--
Cheers, Rob