John Fox from Western Power helping to raise awareness of free-to-call 105
A Cardiff customer service advisor is fronting a new nationwide campaign from Britain’s electricity distribution networks to promote the new power cut 105 phone number.
The campaign launches as new research from Energy Networks Association (ENA) reveals more than eight out of 10 (82%) people in England, Wales and Scotland have no idea how electricity is delivered to their homes.
The stats also reveal 43% would incorrectly call their electricity supplier rather than their distribution network operator, suggesting people aren’t clear what role their network operator plays in keeping communities in power.
John Fox, a customer service advisor at Western Power is one of the stars of the People Behind the Power campaign to advise people in the UK of the processes involved in keeping the lights on. To be included in the campaign, he took part in filming at the Western Power offices last month to interview and capture his role. The campaign will be live from the 21st April and includes placements across social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
John Fox said:
“I’m the first point of contact for many customers when they call to report a power cut.
“You can never be sure what the situation on the other end of the phone is going to be. Sometimes you speak to people who are in really difficult situations and you can’t always help right away – but you can advise them and point engineers in the right direction. It’s nice knowing you have helped someone even in a small way – and even nicer when they call back and say thank you.
“It was nerve-wracking to be part of the video shoot and to talk on camera, but it was all part of an important cause. I’m very happy to be representing Western Power by being part of this campaign.”
David Smith from the ENA, said: “Our research has shown there’s some confusion as to the huge part network operators play in communities and in supplying power to millions of homes and businesses. Through People Behind the Power, we wanted to show the public exactly what our energy network operators do on a daily basis to ensure their lights can stay on 24 hours a day, as well as raising awareness of 105.”
People can call 105 to report a power cut from most landlines and mobile phones, no matter who they choose to buy electricity from. It’s a free number that connects callers with their local electricity network operator.
More information about 105 and electricity network operators can be found at www.powercut105.com. The new website also provides direct links and details of how to contact network operators online and via social media to get information and updates about a power cut.
The campaign will be live from the 21st April 2017 and includes placements across social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. To watch the ‘People Behind the Power’ video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gB0E5rDM94s&t=24s. And to watch John Fox’s video go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHOEKrSfZeo.
