What the register does
The Priority Services Register (PSR) records vulnerabilities so your suppliers know to offer extra support. It is a single register accessible to gas, electricity and water suppliers.
Support includes: priority reconnection after power cuts, advance notice of planned outages, help reading meters, adapted communication (large print, braille, audio), and consideration for extra assistance during winter.
Who qualifies
Anyone with a chronic illness or disability.
Anyone over State Pension age (some suppliers apply from 60).
Households with children under 5.
Anyone with a serious medical condition dependent on electricity (e.g. dialysis, oxygen).
Households with mental health conditions affecting daily functioning.
Households experiencing temporary hardship (recent bereavement, temporary illness, etc).
How to register
Contact your energy supplier and water company directly. Registration is free and takes a few minutes.
You can also register through some GPs and social prescribers.
Once registered with one supplier, you can ask them to share your details with others so you do not need to repeat the process.
Impact on debt situations
PSR registration is a significant factor in vulnerability assessment. Suppliers must consider vulnerability before disconnection or aggressive enforcement.
PSR is also a factor for enforcement agents dealing with utility debt.
If you have vulnerabilities that would qualify, register — many people who could benefit do not know the register exists.