Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register is a free scheme run by energy suppliers which offers additional free services to customers in need.

Who can sign up to the Priority Services Register?

You can receive the services if you:

• are of pensionable age
• are disabled or chronically sick
• have a hearing or visual impairment or additional communication needs
• have a long term medical condition
• are in a vulnerable situation.

How to sign up to the Priority Services Register

Each energy supplier has its own Priority Services Register.

If you purchase your gas and electricity from different suppliers, you will need to register with each one. If you switch your energy supplier, you will need to register with your new supplier.

If you have a carer, they can register on your behalf. There is no charge and you can register for all or some of the services.

To be added to the Priority Services Register, you simply need to contact your energy supplier. You can find their contact details on your energy bill, or if you don't have this to hand, see Who is my gas or electricity supplier? on the Ofgem website.

Services which might be available

• a service more tailored to your needs for example, you can ask to have your bills and meter readings in Braille, large type or audio tape
• moving your meter free of charge to make it easier for you to access
• having controls or adaptors provided to make your meter or appliances easier to use
• free quarterly meter readings if you tell your supplier you can’t read it yourself
• priority reconnection if your supply is interrupted and advance notice if they have to stop your supply
• alternative facilities for cooking and heating if your energy supply is interrupted
• additional protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme
• arranging for your bills to be sent or copied to someone else, such as a carer, who can help you read and check them
• free advice and information about the services available because of your age, disability or chronic illness.

All suppliers should take steps once a year to inform all its customers about the Priority Services Register and how you can be listed on it.

Further Information

UK Power Networks - owns and maintains electricity cables and lines across London, the South East and East of England (it does not supply energy).  It has a partnership with the British Red Cross, and maintains a Priority Service Register.

The British Red Cross has been giving practical support to some of UK Power Networks’ vulnerable customers during longer, more complicated power cuts.  Volunteers visit customers who have registered for extra help through the company’s Priority Services Register, often working alongside the company’s own customer advisers. They keep residents updated on how work to restore power is progressing and check whether customers need help ranging from hot drinks and torches, to a reassuring chat.

UK Power Networks advises anyone who thinks they should be on the Priority Services Register to apply at www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority, ring 0800 169 9970, email psr@ukpowernetworks.co.uk or send their details to:

Priority Services Coordinator
UK Power Networks
Fore Hamlet
Ipswich
IP3 8AA

The Energy Saving Trust

The Energy Saving Trust has a searchable database of grants and schemes, along with an online home energy check to find out where you could make savings on your bills.  You can also contact your local Energy Saving Trust advice centre for help:

• Telephone: 0300 123 1234 (freephone)
• Website: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/