The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free list kept by energy suppliers and network operators. You can join if you've reached State Pension age, are pregnant or have young children, have a disability or long-term condition, or need extra help for a while. It gets you priority help in a power cut and other practical support.

It doesn't lower your unit rates or standing charges. It changes how your energy companies treat you, which matters most in winter, when power cuts and cold homes are a bigger risk.

Who can join the Priority Services Register?

Ofgem lists these groups as able to join (as of October 2026):

  • Age: you've reached State Pension age.
  • Family: you're pregnant or have young children. Citizens Advice says children under 5.
  • Language: you struggle to speak or read English.
  • Disability or long-term condition: this includes mental health conditions, conditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smell, and conditions where you rely on medical equipment that needs power.
  • A change in your circumstances: you're recovering from an injury or a hospital stay, you've been bereaved, or you've lost your job.

Citizens Advice adds a few more situations. These include having no sense of smell or struggling to smell gas, struggling to answer the door or get help in an emergency, and returning to independent living after residential care.

You don't need a diagnosis or a benefit to qualify. Energy companies decide whether you count as needing extra support, so give them as much detail as you can.

What free help does the register give you?

Ofgem lists these services:

  • Priority support in an emergency.
  • Advance notice of planned power cuts, where possible.
  • A password scheme, so you can check a caller or visitor really is from your energy company.
  • Someone you nominate, such as a family member or carer, can get your bills and letters.
  • Help moving your prepayment meter if you can't safely reach it to top up.
  • Regular meter readings.
  • Bills and account information in large print or braille.
  • Help reconnecting your gas supply if needed.

Citizens Advice says companies may also prioritise your calls and give extra support during a power cut, such as checks or hot meals.

You can also tell them how you want to be contacted. That could be large print, braille, phone, another language, easy read or British Sign Language.

Does it cost anything?

No. Ofgem describes the PSR as free extra help and support with your gas and electricity supply. Nobody should charge you to join. If someone calls offering to "register" you for a fee, treat it as a red flag. Our guide to checking a cold call or doorstep seller explains what to do.

How do you join: through your supplier or your network?

There are two routes, and both work.

Through your supplier. Ofgem says to contact your energy supplier or network operator online, in writing or by phone. The contact details are on their website and your bill. If your gas and electricity come from different suppliers, you need to contact each one.

Through your electricity network. Citizens Advice's guidance for England says you can apply to your electricity network, which also passes your details to your gas network and suppliers. You usually tick a box on the form to agree to this. Your electricity network is the company that runs the local wires, not the one that sends your bill. The Priority Services Register website (thepsr.co.uk) helps you find yours.

If you live on a park home site and pay the site owner for energy, Citizens Advice says you can still apply to your network.

What happens after you apply?

Your energy companies should confirm whether you qualify and may ask about your needs. Citizens Advice says to call them if you hear nothing within 2 weeks.

It's worth checking you're registered with all three: your supplier, your electricity network and your gas network. That's because the help in a power cut comes from the network, while billing help comes from the supplier.

Do you need to sign up again if you switch or move?

Often, yes:

  • If you switch supplier: Ofgem says you need to join your new supplier's register. Don't assume your details move across. Our switching checklist includes this step.
  • If you move home: Citizens Advice says you'll need to reapply if your new home is covered by a different electricity network.
  • If your situation changes: tell your companies, for example when a baby arrives, a condition changes or you start using medical equipment at home.

Is the register the same as help with paying your bills?

No. The PSR is about service and safety, not money off. If cost is the worry, these are separate:

Being on the register does tell your supplier you may need extra care, which can matter if you fall behind. For your wider rights, see your energy rights.

To check what your energy should cost, try the free estimator. Unfamiliar terms are explained in the energy bill jargon guide.

This is general information, not legal or financial advice.

What to do next

  • Check the list above and decide whether you, or someone you look after, qualifies.
  • Contact your electricity supplier and gas supplier (if different) to join. Or apply through your electricity network and tick the box to share your details.
  • Set up a password with your supplier, so you can check callers and visitors are genuine.
  • Tell them how you want to be contacted, and name a trusted person to get your bills if that would help.
  • If you use medical equipment that needs power, say so clearly. It affects the help you get in a power cut.
  • If you hear nothing within 2 weeks, call to check you've been added.
  • Join again after you switch supplier, and reapply if you move to an area covered by a different network.

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