Priority Services Register: Can I Apply?

What is the Priority Services Register?

Unfortunately, some people who should be on the register either don’t know that they’re eligible or don’t even know that it exists. Here we’ll demystify the Priority Services Register to help readers to get the support they need for themselves or someone vulnerable who’s close to them. The Priority Services Register allows energy companies to identify which customers need a little extra care.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that energy companies offer to support their most vulnerable customers. While it’s mostly gas and electricity suppliers that offer listing on the PSR, DNOs and gas transporters also have their own PSRs.

The system has been designed by Ofgem who oversee its implementation to ensure that vulnerable energy consumers or those with special requirements get easy access to the support they need when it’s needed.

What kind of help is given to vulnerable customers?

In the table below, we’ve compiled a list of services that are usually offered to customers who are on the Priority Services Register. The support varies depending on your energy supplier and your particular circumstances. However, you can usually expect:

Who can sign up for the Priority Services Register?

The Priority Services Register isn’t exclusively available to elderly customers. You can sign up to the Priority Services Register if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You are over 60.
• You have a disability or chronic illness.
• You are deaf or hard of hearing.
• You are blind or partially sighted.
• You rely on medical equipment that needs a continuous electricity supply.
• You are the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 5 who lives with you.

Can I sign up on behalf of a vulnerable friend or relative?

If you have a vulnerable friend, relative or neighbour who you feel might benefit from being on the PSR, you can apply with them on their behalf. Once they’re registered, they can also nominate you to be their point of contact with your energy supplier.

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Can I apply for PSR?

If you meet the criteria above, you stand an excellent chance of qualifying for placement on the Priority Services Register. However, if you are unsure, we recommend putting in an application, to be on the safe side. The form is quick and easy to fill in and requires you to answer a few questions about your circumstances that will help your energy company to ascertain your needs.

What other help am I eligible for?

If you are a vulnerable person who struggles with their energy bills in winter, you may also be eligible for other forms of support from your energy supplier and / or the government.

Schemes that could give you further support include:

• The Cold Weather Payment: A payment awarded to vulnerable energy users when temperatures get extremely cold.
• The Warm Home Discount: A government scheme administered by energy suppliers that gives vulnerable customers a one-off discount on their energy in winter.
• The Winter Fuel Payment- The Winter Fuel Payment is a payment made available to all energy consumers who are of pensionable age and resident in the UK.

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Would you like to know more about government energy grants? Great! Here are some related articles for you to check out

1. The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM)
2. Ombudsman energy
3. What is fuel poverty?
4. What is the Warm Home Discount?
5. Cold Weather Payment
6. Winter Fuel Payment
7. Student energy bills

FAQ

Can I switch supplier if I’m on the Priority Services Register?

Yes, absolutely. Ofgem has now made it easier for suppliers to track which new customers are on the Priority Services Register. However, it may still be worth mentioning your status to your supplier to check what services they can offer you.

Do I have to sign up for different PSRs if I have different suppliers for my gas and electricity?

If you have a different supplier for your gas and electricity, you will need to sign up to each supplier’s PSR. Likewise, to take advantage of services your DNO or gas transporter offers, you will need to sign up with them, too. 

Is it only elderly people who can get on the Priority Services Register?

Not at all. It’s also available to energy consumers who are vulnerable in other ways. For instance:

• Customers with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
• Customers who are are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Customers who are blind or partially sighted.
• Customers who are reliant on medical equipment.
• Customers who live with a child aged under 5.

Can I register on someone else’s behalf?

You can register on someone else’s behalf and help them with their application. However, they will need to nominate you if you want to be their point of contact with the energy supplier.