What is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free and voluntary system that your supplier uses to ensure the correct support is given to its most vulnerable customers.
It is a system designed and overseen by Ofgem to better ensure that individuals with special requirements have access to additional support from their energy supplier as and when they require it.
This support varies by supplier and by an individual’s circumstances, but can include:
Large-format or Braille bills
Advanced notice of service interruption
Priority in a power cut
Quarterly meter readings
Who can sign up for the Priority Services Register?
Ofgem made changes to broaden the Register's eligibility to ensure that people are considered based on their circumstances — not just a list of characteristics.
Previously, only aspects like age and disability were considered; but now, customers simply need to identify themselves to the supplier, who will then assess their circumstances and offer appropriate available services to suit them.
This is good news as more consumers will get the assistance they need, but it means there is not a definitive set of rules to check your eligibility against.
However, generally, you could be eligible for the Priority Services Register if:
You need to be supported in a particular way
You would struggle to maintain your well-being if you lost your energy supply for any amount of time
You’re of pensionable age
You are disabled
You are chronically ill or have a long-term medical condition
You have hearing or visual impairment or other communication needs
You have children under the age of five living with you
You have a mental health condition that causes you difficulty in understanding your bill
You cannot top up your pre-payment meter due to injury
You need extra support due to temporary circumstances