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What is the priority services register and who can apply?
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.
At a glance
- The Priority Services Register is free to join.
- It offers extra help during power cuts and supply interruptions.
- You can request accessible bills and communication formats.
- Energy PSR is handled by your supplier and network operator.
- Water companies run their own separate priority services schemes.
- You may need to re register if you switch energy supplier.
- It is particularly important if you rely on powered medical equipment or need consistent heating for health reasons.
Official guidance:
Ofgem – Join your supplier’s Priority Services Register
Ofwat – Water priority services standards
In this guide
- What is the priority services register?
- Who can join the priority services register?
- What support can you get on the PSR?
- Can you join for a temporary condition?
- How to apply for the priority services register
- What information do you need?
- Do you need to re-register if you switch?
- Why this matters in real life
- Frequently asked questions
- In summary
What is the priority services register?
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.
Who can join the priority services register?
Eligibility varies slightly by provider, but it is designed for people in vulnerable circumstances.
This may include:
- Disabled people
- People with long term health conditions
- Neurodivergent people
- People with sensory impairments
- Older people above State Pension age
- Households with children under five
- People recovering from surgery or illness
- Anyone experiencing temporary vulnerability
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.
What support can you get on the PSR?
Support depends on your provider, but commonly includes:
- Bills and letters in large print, Braille or audio
- Text relay or alternative contact methods
- Advance notice of planned power cuts
- Priority updates during emergencies
- Nominee schemes so someone else can manage your account
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.
Can you join for a temporary condition?
Yes. Many providers allow temporary registration.
This can apply if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are recovering after surgery
- Have recently left hospital
- Have a short term illness
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.
How to apply for the priority services register
If you have a different supplier for your gas and electricity, you’ll need to contact them separately.
For energy
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
For water
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.
What information do you need?
You will usually be asked for:
- Your name and address
- Contact details
- Your account number (if available)
- A short explanation of what support you need
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.
Do you need to re-register if you switch?
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.
Why this matters in real life
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.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the priority services register
Is the priority services register free?
Yes. The Priority Services Register is free for energy customers, and water companies also provide free priority services support.
Does being on the PSR reduce your energy bill?
No. The PSR provides additional support, not financial discounts. You may need to apply separately for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount.
What happens if there is a power cut and you are on the PSR?
Your provider should prioritise communication and support based on your registered needs, including accessible updates where possible.
Do you need medical proof to join the PSR?
Usually no. Providers typically ask about your situation so they can offer appropriate support.
Can you join the PSR for anxiety or mental health conditions?
If your condition affects your ability to manage utilities safely or respond during an emergency, you can explain this when applying.
Can disabled people join the priority services register?
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.
In summary
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.
About the author
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
