Dear LPG.

As older people we are likely to visit the doctor more often and I have got used to getting texts reminding me of appointments at both hospital and the GP, but we are also mindful of all the really suspicious information that is passed to us via text message as well.  With this in mind I felt the need to focus in on this particular odd text. 

Unlike the younger people, who seem to have their mobile phones with them at all times, mine never seems to be in the room where I am when I am at home.  Not so long ago I was busy washing up when the telephone rang and, by the time I dried my hands and got to where it was in the hall, it had stopped ringing.  I was just about to ring 1471 when I heard my mobile phone start ringing, so I turned and started walking to the living room so that I could answer that one but, you’ve guessed it, I picked it up just as the ring tone stopped and so I put it down and returned to the kitchen to continue with the dishes.  I had just got my hands wet again when I heard the text notification sound on my mobile.  By then I had had enough and decided to finish the job I had started.

Later, when checking the texts, there was one from the priority service team at UK Power Network giving notice of some work that needed to be done in the street where I live, and warning that there may be loss of power while it was being done.  

‘How did they get my telephone number?’ This was the first reaction that came into my head when I read the text and so I Googled UK Power Network and it was quite easy to find their telephone number which is 105. 

I phoned them and asked my question and they explained that they are the people that fix the electric problems that occur in the streets around our homes and they get our numbers from the companies that supply our electricity.  They had tried to call both my home and mobile phones before texting and stress that they never pass on any personal information to any other organisation.  I got the text because I am listed on the priority list purely because I am over 60 years old.  The idea is that if you are likely to be more at risk if there is loss of electricity they try their best to warn you.

Power Network keep this priority list which they hope includes anyone aged over 60 years, less than 5 years or who has a health issue that would be affected by loss of electricity.  You can check if you are on their register by telephoning them on 105, which is a free call and it is also the number to call if you are worried about any potential electrical emergency.

It worried me to get a text which seemed so random in this day and age when we are so suspicious of scams of all kinds, so I felt that I should pass what I have learned on.

TF, Lee.

LPG suggests that this may be another number to be added to your ICE list (►►►) and used if you experience a power cut.  We have also found a little more information about UK Power Networks

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