Managing energy bills can be challenging, especially for vulnerable customers who rely on electricity and gas for their everyday needs. To address this issue, energy suppliers offer a Priority Services Register (PSR) that provides extra assistance to those who need it the most. The PSR is available to vulnerable customers who may be elderly, disabled, have a long-term illness, or face financial difficulties that affect their ability to pay their energy bills. The PSR gives customers access to a range of extra services such as free emergency heating and hot water assistance, free annual gas safety checks, priority support during energy supply disruptions, and personalised energy advice. By registering with their energy supplier for the PSR, customers can also receive help with meter readings and access to flexible payment plans to make managing their energy bills easier. In this article, we will explain what the PSR is, who is eligible to join, and how to register with your energy supplier. We will also explore the benefits of being on the PSR and how it can help vulnerable customers lead a comfortable, safe, and affordable life.
What is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered by energy suppliers and network operators in the UK. It is designed to provide extra help to those who need it in the event of a power cut or other emergency situations.
To join the PSR, you need to register with your energy supplier or network operator. It is recommended that you register with both if you have separate suppliers for your electricity and gas. You can register for other reasons too, such as if you or someone in your household needs additional services.
Once you are registered on the PSR, the relevant companies will know that you potentially need extra support. This could include services such as free gas safety checks, notice of planned power cuts, and advance notice of any service interruptions. You may also receive priority updates and support from third-party agencies, such as the British Red Cross.
The PSR allows the energy supplier or network operator to provide extra support, beyond that of the services offered through normal operations. This means that you have one point of contact for all of your needs, even if the company providing both your electricity and gas changes.
If you need help on the day of an emergency, the networks work closely with third-party agencies to help provide extra support, including your local authority and charities such as the British Red Cross.
If you move or change supplier, it is important to let them know so that they can keep and share your PSR information securely across the relevant companies. You can also register any time if you have new needs that you may now have due to a change in circumstances.
In the unlikely event that your electricity or gas supply is interrupted, the PSR allows the relevant companies to know that you are potentially vulnerable and need additional support.
The PSR offers two potential benefits. Firstly, you can receive all the services you need from your energy supplier or network operator in the event of an emergency. Secondly, you can have an alternative contact registered, such as a friend or family member, who can be notified in the event of a power cut.
If you have any questions regarding your electricity or gas supply or the PSR, your energy supplier or network operator can provide you with the information you need. A direct line number may be available upon registering and your PSR data can be removed from the register if you no longer need it.
How to join the Priority Services Register?
If you would like to register for the PSR, you can do so by filling out an online form or calling your energy supplier’s direct line number. This number may be available upon request. In the unlikely event that your electricity or gas supply is interrupted, the PSR allows the relevant companies to know that you are potentially in need of additional support, beyond that of the services offered through the PSR.
Do all suppliers offer Priority Services Register?
No, not all UK suppliers offer the Priority Services Register (PSR). However, all energy suppliers are required by law to provide customers with access to the PSR. The PSR is a free service that provides additional support to vulnerable customers who may need extra help during power cuts or other emergencies.
Customers who register for the PSR may receive a range of additional services, such as advance notice of planned power cuts, free gas safety checks, and priority updates during an emergency. The PSR is designed to allow energy suppliers and network operators to know which customers are potentially at risk during an outage, and to provide extra support as needed.
While all energy suppliers are required to offer access to the PSR, the specific services offered may vary between suppliers. Some suppliers may offer additional support services beyond those required by law, while others may only provide the minimum required services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join the Priority Services Register?
The PSR is available to vulnerable customers who may be elderly, disabled, have a long-term illness, or face financial difficulties that affect their ability to pay their energy bills.
What services do customers receive when they register for the Priority Services Register?
Customers who register for the PSR may receive a range of additional services, such as free emergency heating and hot water assistance, free annual gas safety checks, priority support during energy supply disruptions, and personalised energy advice.
How can customers join the Priority Services Register?
Customers can join the PSR by filling out an online form or calling their energy supplier’s direct line number.
Are all energy suppliers required to offer access to the Priority Services Register?
Yes, all energy suppliers are required by law to provide customers with access to the PSR. However, the specific services offered may vary between suppliers.