Priority Services Register: extra help from energy companies
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
The Priority Services Register is a list kept by energy suppliers and network operators of people who may need extra support. This guide explains who can ask to join, what help is listed, how to apply, and what happens when you move or switch.
What the register is
Energy suppliers and network operators each keep a Priority Services Register. It lets them know that a household may need extra support, for example during a power cut or when someone visits the home. It is separate from help paying bills.
This guide is general information as of 12 October 2026. It is based on pages from Ofgem, the energy regulator, and Citizens Advice, which we read on that date.
Who can ask to join
Ofgem says you can ask to join if you fit one of the groups below. Citizens Advice says you can usually join if your energy companies class you as vulnerable, and that you may qualify for other reasons too.
- You have reached State Pension age.
- You are pregnant or have young children. Citizens Advice mentions children under 5.
- You struggle with speaking or reading English.
- You live with a disability or long-term medical condition, including mental health conditions, sight, hearing or sense of smell conditions, or a condition that needs medical equipment powered by electricity.
- Your circumstances have recently changed, for example you are recovering from an injury or hospital stay, have been bereaved, or have lost your job.
What help can be listed
Ofgem and Citizens Advice list similar services. Not every company offers every one, and what you get depends on your needs.
- Priority support in an emergency, such as extra help during a power cut.
- Advance notice of planned power cuts, where possible.
- A password scheme, or photo ID, so you can check who is calling or visiting.
- Bills in large print or braille, or sent to someone you nominate, such as a family member or carer.
- Moving a prepayment meter if you cannot safely reach it to top up.
- Regular meter readings.
- Help reconnecting your gas supply, if needed.
How to apply
Ofgem says you can contact your supplier or network operator online, in writing or by phone, and give as much information as you can about your needs. Contact details should be on their website or on your energy bills.
Citizens Advice describes a route through your electricity network, which is not always the company that sends your bills. You apply using a form found through thepsr.co.uk. It says you only need to apply to your electricity network, which passes your details to your gas network operator and your suppliers. You will usually be asked to tick a box agreeing to share your information.
Citizens Advice says that if you do not hear anything within 2 weeks, you can call your energy companies and ask whether you are on their register and what support they can offer.
Moving home or switching supplier
- Ofgem says that if you switch supplier, you need to ask to join the new supplier's register.
- If your gas and electricity come from different companies, Ofgem says you need to contact each one separately.
- Citizens Advice says a new home may be covered by a different electricity network, so you may need to apply again after a move.
If something goes wrong
If a company does not provide support you have been promised, many people start by complaining to that company. Citizens Advice has guidance on complaining about an energy company and on what can happen next. Free, independent help is available from Citizens Advice.
Check before you act
Rules and company practices can change, and the two sources describe the application route a little differently. It can be worth checking the official pages linked below, and your own supplier's website, before you apply.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
