ENERGY · PRIORITY SERVICES REGISTER UK
Priority Services Register Explained
How the Priority Services Register protects vulnerable households and what additional support you may be entitled to.
Quick summary
- Free support for vulnerable energy customers
- Available through suppliers and network operators
- Includes outage support, accessible communications and safety services
- Covers temporary and long-term vulnerability
- You can register at any time
For information only
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free support service offered by energy suppliers and network operators to help customers who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness, financial circumstances or life events. Being on the PSR does not change your tariff or price. Instead, it provides practical protections and tailored support during outages, meter issues, billing difficulties and emergencies. Many eligible households are not registered — often because they assume it is only for elderly people or those with severe disabilities. This guide explains who qualifies, what support is available, how to register and why the PSR is an important safety net. This is general information about UK energy consumer protections. It is not legal advice.
What Is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register is a database held by energy suppliers and distribution network operators identifying customers who may need extra support.
It was introduced to ensure:
- Faster support during power cuts
- Accessible communication formats
- Help with meter readings and billing
- Safety checks in emergencies
PSR services are free and do not affect your energy price.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is broader than many people realise.
You may qualify if you:
- Are over State Pension age
- Have a disability
- Have long-term health conditions
- Use medical equipment powered by electricity
- Have young children
- Are pregnant
- Have mental health conditions
- Have financial vulnerability
- Experience temporary vulnerability (e.g. bereavement, job loss, hospital stay)
You do not need to provide medical proof in most cases — self-declaration is usually sufficient.
What Support Does the PSR Provide?
Support may include:
- Advance notice of planned power cuts
- Priority support during unplanned outages
- Regular updates during prolonged outages
- Alternative heating or cooking facilities during outages
- Meter reading assistance
- Accessible bills (large print, Braille, audio)
- Password schemes for meter readers
- Nominee account access for carers or relatives
Network operators may provide additional emergency support such as welfare checks.
PSR and Medical Equipment
If you rely on electrically powered medical equipment (e.g. oxygen concentrators, dialysis equipment), being on the PSR is particularly important.
In a power cut:
- Network operators can prioritise restoration
- Provide information on expected duration
- Offer practical assistance
However, PSR does not guarantee uninterrupted supply. Households using critical medical equipment should consider backup plans.
How to Register
You can register by:
- Contacting your energy supplier
- Contacting your electricity distribution network operator
- Using online registration forms
You may need to register separately with:
- Your supplier (billing and account support)
- Your local network operator (outage support)
You can find your network operator here:
https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
Confidentiality and Data Protection
PSR information is protected under UK data protection laws.
Information is shared only:
- Between relevant energy organisations
- For the purpose of providing support
You can update or remove your details at any time.
Why Many People Miss Out
Common misconceptions:
- “I’m not disabled enough”
- “It’s only for the elderly”
- “It will affect my tariff”
The PSR is about vulnerability, not diagnosis.
If you feel you would benefit from extra support, registration is appropriate.
Key takeaways
- PSR provides free practical protections
- Eligibility is broader than many assume
- Especially important for medical equipment users
- Register with both supplier and network operator
- It does not affect price or credit score
Does being on the PSR reduce my bills?
No, it provides support services rather than financial discounts.
Can I register temporarily?
Yes. Temporary vulnerability qualifies.
Does it guarantee power restoration first?
It prioritises support but cannot guarantee uninterrupted supply.
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