As the colder months approach, having reliable energy and water supplies becomes even more important — especially for people who rely on continuous support at home.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service offered by energy, gas and water suppliers across England, Scotland and Wales. It is designed to give additional practical help to customers who may be more vulnerable if their supply is interrupted.
Many of the people we support through live-in care would typically be eligible for this free register.
What support does the Priority Services Register offer?
Being on the register can provide a range of useful benefits, including:
- Priority support during power cuts
- Advance notice of planned interruptions to electricity, gas or water supplies
- Additional help from water companies, such as emergency bottled water during supply interruptions
- Communication in alternative formats (for example, large print or Braille)
- The option to nominate a trusted person (such as a family member or carer) to receive important updates
- A password scheme so you can be confident that visitors from the supplier are genuine
Support is tailored to individual needs, and registration is completely free.
Who can join the Priority Services Register?
You (or someone acting on your behalf) can ask to join if you:
- Are of pensionable age
- Have a disability or long-term medical condition
- Rely on medical equipment that needs electricity or water
- Have a sight or hearing condition
- Have a mental health condition
- Are temporarily vulnerable (for example after a hospital stay or bereavement)
- Have young children in the household
- Need information in a different format or language
If you are unsure whether you qualify, it is still worth contacting your supplier — they can advise you.
How to register for the Priority Services Register
It is straightforward and free to join. You can:
- Visit the official Priority Services Register website: https://www.thepsr.co.uk/
- Enter your postcode to find your local electricity and gas network operators
- Contact your energy supplier directly (details are usually on your bill or their website)
- Speak to your water company about their priority support scheme
If you have different suppliers for gas and electricity, you will need to register with both. If you later switch supplier, you will need to register again with the new company.
Family members, carers or advocates can often help complete the application if that is easier.
A note for clients in Jersey
Jersey operates a similar support service. Clients or their families living there can contact their local energy or water provider for details of the equivalent scheme.
How we can help
If you receive live-in care from Able Community Care, or if you are arranging care for a relative, you may like to discuss the Priority Services Register with your care manager. We can help you gather the information needed or point you towards the right place to register.
Taking a few minutes to join the register can provide valuable peace of mind — especially during the winter months when power cuts and supply interruptions are more likely.
For more information and to start the registration process, visit:
https://www.thepsr.co.uk/
