Priority Services Register
The Priority Services Register (PSR) if a free and voluntary system that your suppliers (gas, electricity, network operator and water) use to ensure the correct support is given to the most vulnerable customers.
Who is the Network Operator?
The Network Operator is the company that owns and operates the power lines and infrastructure that connects the network to your property. Such as National Grid, UK Power Networks or Northern Powergrid.
Who Can Sign Up for the Priority Services Register?
There is not a definitive set of criteria. However you could be eligible for the PSR if you:
- Are disabled
- Are chronically ill or have a long-term medical condition
- Are of pensionable age
- Have a mental health condition
- Have children under the age of five living with you
- Use equipment that relies on power. This not only includes medical equipment such as a dialysis machine or sleep apnea monitor but also includes things like electric beds, stair lifts and battery operated items that rely on power to charge the batteries e.g. bath seats.
What Are the Benefits of Joining the Register?
- Should give you a direct number to get straight through to them
- Allow you to nominate someone to deal with your bills or power cuts on your behalf
- Agree a password with you before they visit, so you feel safe
- Keep you up to date with what is happening during a power cut
- Inform you about planned interruptions to your electricity or water supply
- Provide free 24 hour power cut alerts and texts to medically dependent customers. They will normally phone you after a power cut to confirm you are okay and that everything is working as it should be.
What is the PSR Promise?
The PSR promise is that they will protect your data while keeping you safe.
As part of the promise, they agree to only share information about you with other suppliers and trusted partners e.g. British Red Cross. This is to ensure that you receive access to extra support in a power cut or major emergency.
Until a few years ago you had to register with each company you dealt with. However, now the suppliers may share your information; if you give them permission to do so. So, you might only need to register with one of your suppliers but you will need to confirm this with them when you contact them.
Keeping Your Information Up to Date and Reviews
It is important to keep suppliers up to date with any changes in your circumstances; especially if your needs increase. You can contact them at any time to update the information they hold on you.
Similarly, once in a while your supplier will contact you to see if your needs have changed and make sure they are providing the right level of support for you.
Please note that this article was put together using information from Ofgem, Ofwat and a number of gas, electricity and water suppliers. So, it is not a comprehensive list of what each supplier will supply or what level of support they will offer.