A woman is sitting at a table with a young man and pointing to a piece of paper.

New energy advice project

Reading Mencap is working in partnership with SGN to provide people with learning disabilities and their carers with energy advice. Our staff have been specially trained to give you advice.

We can help you with information about:

  • Energy saving and home safety advice
  • Signing up to the Priority Services Register
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms
  • Locking Cooking Valves

We can provide one-to-one support and energy safety workshops for people with a learning disability and their carers.

Join the Priority Services Register (PSR)

Every gas and electricity supplier, electricity distribution network and water company has what’s called a Priority Services Register (PSR).

If you are disabled, have a long-term medical condition or are of pensionable age, joining the PSR can give you extra help and support, especially in a power cut or gas supply emergency.

It is a free service.

The benefits include:

  • Priority support in an emergency
  • Advanced notice of planned power cuts
  • Nominating someone to handle your bills or help in a power cut, on your behalf
  • Password scheme for extra security against bogus callers.

Who can join?

  • Anyone who would benefit from priority support who:
  • Is living with a chronic medical condition, poor mobility or a disability
  • Is using medical equipment including oxygen concentrators
  • Has specific needs such as sight, smell, hearing or speech impairment
  • Is of pensionable age
  • Has children under the age of 5 living with them

Our team can help you register. Call us on 0118 966 2158 or email energy@readingmencap.org.uk

You can also register online via: www.thePSR.co.uk

Carbon Monoxide and Gas Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels (including gas, oil, wood, petrol and coal).

Because you can’t see it, taste it or smell it, it is highly dangerous and in certain conditions can kill quickly and without warning.

Our advisers will provide essential information on:

  • Recognising the symptoms of CO poisoning
  • The importance of fitting a carbon monoxide alarm
  • Ensuring your gas appliances are serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer
  • Ensuring good ventilation in your home

Locking Cooker Valves

A locking cooker valve is a safety tool for gas cookers. It can be locked or unlocked with
a special key.

When it is locked, no gas goes to the cooker, even if the knobs are turned. When unlocked, gas flows to the cooker, and it can be used

The key is kept by someone trusted, like a family member or carer. Having a valve can give family
and carers peace of mind when they leave the room or the house.

Get in Touch:

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from energy safety advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us on 0118 966 2518 or email energy@readingmencap.org.uk