In an industry first, the network operator will provide these at no cost to people who meet certain specific criteria, and who are signed up for its Priority Services.

The aim of the battery packs is to provide customers who are medically dependent on electricity – in that they rely on powered medical equipment at home – with added support and peace of mind by providing them with the capability to power some devices for a period of time.  

These new battery packs may help to minimise the impact on people of any period without power. Subject to approval from the manufacturers of specialist in-home medical equipment, the battery may keep these devices operating for longer if there’s a power cut.

They can also be used with items providing light and heat, to charge mobile phones and laptops, or to power broadband routers. This will make it easier for people to keep in touch with carers, family or friends, and to get information they need if the electricity goes off.

People who are eligible do not need to apply for a battery. 1.2 million SSEN Distribution customers are signed up for what are called Priority Services. These people are offered extra help and advice before, during and after a power cut. When customers sign up, their needs and circumstances are assessed. This process - together with data on the frequency of power cuts in their area - will determine if a customer is eligible for a battery.

This approach ensures those who are most dependent on having power in their home are provided with this extra support. Eligible customers will be contacted when it’s their turn to receive a home battery pack; 94% of those who have been offered one since the launch of the scheme at the beginning of February have accepted it.

A dedicated SSEN team ran a six-month trial, providing batteries to 28 people who rely on powered medical equipment. All of them had experienced a recent power interruption due to a storm or essential network maintenance.

This programme provided the project team with invaluable data and feedback. Customers told us they found their batteries easy to charge, use, and store. Their suggestions for improvements have been factored into the roll-out now getting underway, and the capacity of the battery packs now being provided has been increased by one third compared with those used during the trial.

Eliane Algaard, SSEN Distribution’s services director, said: “We’re proud to be able to deliver this first-of-a-kind benefit for our customers, to provide additional support for those most in need. People who used a Home Battery Pack during the trial told us it made a big difference to them. They said they felt more prepared because they knew how the battery could help support them in their own homes if the power went off for a time.

“Following this successful trial, and a lot of work from our team to select a battery that will meet customers’ needs and be easy-to-use, this is a huge moment as units are sent out to the first of many thousands of customers who will benefit from them the most.

“Our customer service teams have been fully trained in all aspects of the batteries, so help will be on hand as people get used to them.”

Christina Laing lives on South Uist in the Western Isles. She’s also been using a battery for several months as part of the pilot.

Christina said: “I need use a mask during the night, so I’ve been happy to try the home battery pack out, and I’m glad I’ll be able to keep it now the trial is over. It’s given me a bit more reassurance to know that if the power were ever to go off, I’d have it to potentially help run my medical equipment.”

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, added: “Unpaid carers are often the first port of call when the power goes off, responsible for keeping family members and friends safe and supported at home.

“SSEN Distribution’s industry-first home battery packs give carers and their families vital reassurance and help reduce the stress of potential power loss.

“Combined with SSEN Distribution’s provision of Power Cut Plans to its Priority Services customers, this is the kind of innovation we hope other Distribution Network Operators will now adopt.”