The Priority Services Register is a free support service that energy suppliers and network operators must offer to customers in vulnerable circumstances. It provides extra help such as advance notice of power cuts, accessible bills and priority support during outages.
In one line: The Priority Services Register is a free scheme giving vulnerable energy customers extra support, including outage warnings and accessible communications.
How the Priority Services Register works
Eligibility covers people of pensionable age, those with disabilities or long-term medical conditions, families with young children and others in vulnerable situations. Registering tells the supplier and network operator to provide tailored help.
Support can include priority reconnection in a power cut, meter readings for those unable to access the meter, bills in large print or Braille, and advance warning of planned interruptions. The service is free to join.
A customer reliant on medical equipment can register so the network operator knows to prioritise their property if supply is interrupted.
Priority Services Register vs the Warm Home Discount
The Priority Services Register provides non-financial support services for vulnerable customers, while the Warm Home Discount is a financial rebate on the electricity bill for eligible low-income households.
A household can qualify for both at once, since the register addresses support needs and the discount addresses cost.
Primary source: Ofgem: Priority Services Register