Get help from your supplier - Priority Services Register

You are eligible if you:

• have reached your state pension age
• are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
• are recovering from an injury
• have a hearing or sight condition
• have a mental health condition
• are pregnant or have young children
• have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well)
• need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply
• have poor or no sense of smell
• would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency.

You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital. 

• Wherever possible, advanced notice of scheduled power cuts. If you rely on your energy supply for medical reasons your network operator can tell you about planned power cuts. For example, when they plan engineering work.
• Priority support in an emergency.
• Priority support when calling your network operator.
• Identification and password scheme. This could include arranging a password or agreed on picture cards if callers need to visit or contact you. This way you can feel confident they are genuine. 
• Nominee scheme. You can nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier. For example, a family member, carer or someone you trust.
• Help with prepayment meter access. For example, moving a meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up.
• Regular meter reading services. For example, if nobody can read your meter.
• Accessible information. For example, account info and bills in large print or braille.
• Help reconnecting your gas supply, if you need it.

Suppliers and Network operators could offer other support services. Ask them how they can help you. 

Suppliers can offer free gas safety checks every 12 months. You can request a safety check if you get a means-tested benefit and either:

• live with a child under five years old
• live alone or with others and have reached state pension age
• live alone or with others and are disabled or chronically ill
• live with others who have reached state pension age or are disabled, chronically ill or under 18 years old. 

Landlords are normally responsible for keeping your gas appliances safe if you don’t own your own home. Further information about landlord obligations is listed on the Health and Safety Executive website.  

Free similar services to the Priority Services Register are available in the water, telecoms and public transport sectors. Ask your providers about them.