It is free. Register separately with your gas supplier, electricity supplier, network operator and water company if they are different.
Quick facts
- Cost
- Free
- State Pension age
- Can join
- Pregnant or young children
- Can join
- Disability or long-term condition
- Can join
- Bereaved or lost your job
- Can join
What help you get
Some of the help you can get includes:
- priority support in an emergency
- wherever possible, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts
- an identification and password scheme if someone needs to visit or contact you, helping you feel confident they are genuine
- the ability to nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier, for example a family member, carer or someone you trust
- the chance to move your prepayment meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up
- account info and bills in large print or braille
Who can join
You can ask to join your supplier or network operator’s Priority Services Register if you:
- have reached state pension age
- are pregnant, or have young children
- struggle with speaking or reading English
You can also join if you’re living with a disability or a long-term medical condition, including mental health conditions, conditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smell, and conditions that mean you need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply.
Help is also available if your circumstances have recently changed, for example if you are recovering from an injury, or need support after a stay in hospital, have been bereaved, or have lost your job.
Water companies too
You sign up to a Priority Services Register (PSR) to receive free extra help from your water company. This could be for many reasons such as an illness, disability, health condition or extra communication needs; you can also register if you need short-term support.
How to join
Get in touch with your supplier or network operator directly and give them as much information as you can about your needs.
If you have a different supplier for your gas and electricity, you’ll need to contact them separately.
If you switch supplier, you’ll need to ask to join their Priority Services Register.
Common questions
What is the Priority Services Register?
A free register kept by energy and water companies so people who need it get extra help, such as priority support in an emergency and notice of power cuts.
Who can join?
People over State Pension age, pregnant or with young children, disabled or with a long-term condition, and people going through bereavement, job loss or recovery from hospital.
Does it cost anything?
No. It is free.
Do I join again if I switch supplier?
Yes. If you switch supplier, you’ll need to ask to join their register.