The Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service from energy and water companies that gives extra support to people in vulnerable situations, such as older people, those with a disability or health condition, and families with young children.

What is the Priority Services Register?

The Priority Services Register is a free support service held by energy suppliers, electricity and gas network operators, and water companies. It flags that you may need extra help, so that companies can tailor their service to you, particularly in an emergency such as a power cut or supply interruption. It is completely free, and joining it does not affect your bills.

Who is eligible for the Priority Services Register?

The Priority Services Register is for anyone in a vulnerable situation. You can usually join if you are of state pension age; have a disability or a long-term health condition; have a hearing, sight or mobility difficulty; have a mental health condition; are pregnant or have young children; rely on electricity for medical equipment; do not speak English confidently; or are in a temporary vulnerable situation, for example if you have recently left hospital or been bereaved. This list is not exhaustive, so if you think you might benefit, it is worth signing up.

What support does the Priority Services Register give me?

Being on the register can give you a range of extra help, including advance notice of planned power cuts, priority support and updates if your supply is interrupted, and a nominee scheme so a friend or relative can be contacted on your behalf. It can also include a password scheme to help you spot genuine callers and avoid scams, meter readings if you cannot do them yourself, bills in accessible formats such as large print or braille, and extra support if you rely on your energy supply for health reasons.

How do I join the Priority Services Register?

The register is held separately by each company, so you would  need to contact your energy supplier, your local electricity and gas network operators, and your water company, and ask to be added to each one.

Does the PSR cover water as well as energy?

YYes. Water companies run their own Priority Services Register too, offering support such as bottled water deliveries during an interruption and bills in accessible formats. It is worth being on both the energy and the water registers.

Is the Priority Services Register free?

Yes, the Priority Services Register is always free to join, and it will never affect the price you pay for your energy or water.