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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
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© 2026. The Purpl Co Limited. All rights reserved.
5 min read
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
March 3, 2026
Last reviewed: 3 March 2026
Applies to: England, Scotland and Wales
Written by: Georgina, Founder of Purpl
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered by UK energy suppliers, electricity and gas network operators, and water companies to provide extra help if you may struggle during a power cut, water supply interruption, or need information in accessible formats.
If you are disabled, living with a long term health condition, neurodivergent, older, or caring for young children, this is one of the simplest protections you can put in place. It helps make sure your provider already understands your needs before something goes wrong, rather than during a crisis.
With energy costs rising and global uncertainty affecting supply markets, being registered adds an extra layer of reassurance. It won’t reduce your bill, but it can make emergencies safer and communication clearer.
Official guidance:
Ofgem – Join your supplier’s Priority Services Register
Ofwat – Water priority services standards
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a system used by energy suppliers, electricity and gas network operators, and water companies to identify customers who may need extra support.
For energy, you usually register through your supplier, and your local network operator may also hold PSR details.
For water, each water company operates its own priority services scheme separately.
The aim is simple: if something goes wrong with your supply, or if standard communication does not work for you, your provider already knows what extra support you need.
Purpl tip: If you rely on medical equipment that needs electricity, make this clear when registering.
Eligibility varies slightly by provider, but it is designed for people in vulnerable circumstances.
This may include:
Citizens Advice explains who can ask for extra support.
If you have a medical condition that increases your water usage, you may also benefit from the WaterSure scheme for medical conditions.
Purpl tip: You do not have to describe your entire medical history. Just explain what support you need.
Support depends on your provider, but commonly includes:
Water companies may also provide bottled water during supply interruptions, depending on circumstances.
Ofgem confirms energy suppliers must offer additional help to customers in vulnerable situations.
Some households may also qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme for disabled households if they meet eligibility criteria.
Purpl tip: Ask specifically about communication formats if you struggle with standard letters or digital portals.
Yes. Many providers allow temporary registration.
This can apply if you:
Your provider may review your registration after a set period.
Purpl tip: If your situation changes, update your provider straight away so support stays appropriate.
If you have a different supplier for your gas and electricity, you’ll need to contact them separately.
Contact your energy supplier directly.
You may also need to register with your electricity and gas network operators.
You can usually apply online or by phone.
To find your electricity network operator:
https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
Contact your local water company and ask about their priority services scheme.
Find your water supplier here:
https://www.water.org.uk/advice-for-customers/find-your-supplier/
Purpl tip: Free similar services are also available in the telecoms and public transport sectors. Ask your providers about them.
You will usually be asked for:
Medical proof is not normally required, but providers may ask questions to understand your needs.
Purpl tip: Keep your details updated if you move house or your health changes.
If you switch supplier, you’ll need to ask to join their Priority Services Register as PSR details do not automatically transfer between suppliers.
If you are switching to save money, check our guides to reducing energy costs as a disabled household before choosing a new tariff.
Purpl tip: If you switch energy provider to save money, make re registering on the PSR your first step.
Imagine this.
You rely on an electric wheelchair. Or you use a CPAP machine overnight. Or your chronic pain means you need consistent heating to stay mobile.
Now imagine there’s a power cut in your area.
If you are not on the Priority Services Register, your supplier may treat your home like any other. You may not get priority updates. You may not receive communication in a format that works for you. And you may not know how long the interruption will last.
If you are registered, your provider already knows you may need additional support. That could mean clearer updates, tailored communication, or extra help during the interruption, depending on the situation.
It doesn’t guarantee the lights stay on.
But it does mean you are not invisible in the system.
Purpl tip: Register before you need it. Support is always easier to access when it is already in place.
Yes. The Priority Services Register is free for energy customers, and water companies also provide free priority services support.
No. The PSR provides additional support, not financial discounts. You may need to apply separately for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount.
Your provider should prioritise communication and support based on your registered needs, including accessible updates where possible.
Usually no. Providers typically ask about your situation so they can offer appropriate support.
If your condition affects your ability to manage utilities safely or respond during an emergency, you can explain this when applying.
Yes. The PSR is specifically designed to support disabled people and those with long term health conditions who may need extra help managing essential utilities or during service interruptions.
The Priority Services Register is one of the simplest free protections available if you live with a disability, health condition, or need extra support.
It can improve communication, provide reassurance during emergencies, and ensure your provider understands your needs before something goes wrong.
If you think you might qualify, contact your supplier or water company today and ask about joining their priority services register.
Small steps like this can make a big difference.
Georgina is the Founder of Purpl, a UK platform dedicated to helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions save money and access clear, trustworthy information. As a disabled entrepreneur and advocate, Georgina regularly writes about disability benefits, mobility access, cost of living pressures and policy changes affecting the disabled community.
Purpl articles are fact-checked using official government sources and reviewed for clarity, accessibility and accuracy before publication.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
Understanding WaterSure and Water Support for Disabled
Purpl Disability Benefits and Support Handbook
How to Get Help When Energy Bills Rise
Scope Disability Energy Support for Disabled People