EDF Energy - British Red Cross Community Support Partnership

Power cuts can be distressing and even life threatening for vulnerable community members, particularly those affected by the cold, or who rely on electricity to power medical equipment. The snowy winter of 2010 was particularly challenging.

The unique partnership between EDF Energy Networks and the British Red Cross provides the practical and emotional support needed to comfort vulnerable customers in this situation.

Support provided ranges from the practical (torches, mains free telephones, batteries) to reassurance, information or just a comforting chat.

Focusing on those most likely to be vulnerable during a power cut, the partnership has meant that nearly 100,000 people have been visited by Red Cross volunteers during power cuts, 20% of whom needed assistance. The British Red Cross also responds reactively to up to 140 call-outs a month to customers calling phoning the call centre for help.

“The partnership between EDF Energy and British Red Cross is a brilliant idea that has been cleverly executed and EDF Energy are leading the pack by showing how collaborative action is a real win win. The potential of this partnership is huge and already over the last 2 years more than 100,000 EDF customers have received practical and emotional support during power cuts.

"This innovative partnership means that the skills of the British Red Cross volunteers can be used to support the most vulnerable members of the community during these distressing times whilst simultaneously enabling the British Red Cross to gain local profile and recognition for their work , and offering volunteers rewarding activity close to home.”