What it is
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free list kept by energy suppliers and the local electricity network operators. People on it can get advance warning of planned power cuts, updates during unplanned ones, and extra support, which can include help with heating, hot food or a welfare check.
Who can join
You can usually join if someone in your home:
- is of pensionable age
- is disabled, or has a long-term medical condition
- relies on medical equipment that needs electricity, or keeps medicines in the fridge
- is under five
- has a hearing or sight impairment, or other communication needs
- is recovering from an operation or going through a difficult time
How to sign up
- Contact your energy supplierThe company you pay your bill to. Most have a PSR form on their website.
- Contact your network operator tooThe company that runs the wires in your area. Call 105 if you're not sure who that is.
- Tick the box to shareMany forms let you share your details with your water company as well, so you're on their list too.
- Tell them when things changeA new baby, a new diagnosis, or new medical equipment.
Being ready as well
The register means help is on its way. A kit means you're comfortable while you wait: a torch by the bed, a radio, a charged power bank, water, food that needs no cooking, and a written list of medicines and doses.
Questions
Does the Priority Services Register cost anything?
No. It's free to join, and you can leave at any time.
Who runs the Priority Services Register?
Each energy supplier and each electricity network operator keeps its own register, so it's worth joining with both.
How do I find my electricity network operator?
Call 105 from most phones in England, Scotland and Wales. It puts you through to the network operator for your area.
Buying for someone on the register? Send a ready-packed box straight to their door.
Sources: UK Power Networks Priority Services · SP Energy Networks · SSEN Priority Services · GOV.UK Be Ready. BeReady2Day is an independent business, not part of the government.