A little extra support when it matters most
Many of us don't think much about our electricity, gas or water until something goes wrong. A planned power cut, or a supply interruption is usually just an inconvenience. But for some people in our community, it can be much more than that.
That's where the Priority Services Register (PSR) can make a real difference.
The PSR is a free service offered by electricity, gas and water companies to provide extra support for customers who may need a little additional help. It's designed for people who might find service interruptions particularly challenging – whether due to age, a disability, a health condition, or communication needs.
Being on the register simply lets your utility providers know that you may need extra support, both in everyday communication and during emergencies.
For example, people on the PSR can receive advance notice of planned power cuts, priority support during outages, and information in accessible formats such as large print, Braille, audio or other languages. There's also the option to nominate a trusted friend or family member to deal with bills on your behalf, as well as password protection so you can confirm that callers are genuinely from your supplier.
For those who rely on medical equipment powered by electricity, have difficulty accessing meters, or simply want reassurance that someone will keep them informed during a disruption, these services can offer real peace of mind.
You may be eligible if you are of state pension age, have a long-term health condition or disability, have hearing, sight or communication needs, or if your circumstances have recently changed, such as following a stay in hospital.
Signing up is straightforward. Simply contact your electricity, gas and water suppliers directly and ask to be added to their Priority Services Register. If you use different companies for different utilities, you may need to register with each one.
In our day-to-day work supporting older residents with practical tasks at home, we sometimes meet people who would benefit from being on the register but simply didn't realise it existed. If you think you - or someone you care about - might qualify, it's well worth taking a few minutes to look into it.
Don't wait for a power cut or supply problem to find out if help is available. Signing up for the Priority Services Register today could make a big difference tomorrow.
