Have you ever heard of the Priority Services Register? It’s a free support service provided by energy companies. Its aim is to help the vulnerable manage energy.
It’s a useful scheme for anyone who is of pension age, has long term medical conditions or have special needs of any kind.
It won’t help with costs, but it can help to stay up to date with what’s going on if you have particular needs.
The Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register is run by the energy companies and overseen by Ofgem.
It provides:
- Advance notice of planned 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. Providers could provide heating and cooking facilities if you are cut off supply.
- 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.
(Source: Ofgem website)
How to get on the Priority Services Register
You must apply to get onto the Priority Services Register, which is why I’m highlighting it here.
All you need to do is contact your energy provider and request to be added to the Priority Services Register.
You may need to prove you qualify, but otherwise, it’s very easy to do.
If you get both your gas and electricity from the same provider, you’ll only need to do it once.
If you get your gas and electricity from different providers, you’ll need to apply with each.
Your provider will then alert all relevant companies to keep you in the loop and provide the services above.
You’ll qualify 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.
(Source: Ofgem website)
The Priority Services Register is a useful extra help for those who need extra assistance around the home. It can’t help with costs but it can definitely help with managing your gas and electricity supply.
If you think you would qualify, I recommend getting on the register as soon as possible. It’s completely free and you never know when you might need it!
