Does joining the PSR cost anything?

No — registration and the additional services are free. It does not affect tariffs, credit scoring or eligibility for any other support.

Does the PSR mean my electricity won't be cut off?

It means the supplier must take vulnerability into account when deciding on disconnection, and must offer alternative arrangements where supply is medically critical. It does not give an absolute guarantee against disconnection for non-payment, but in practice disconnection of vulnerable customers is extremely rare.

Do I need to re-register every year?

Energy suppliers must reconfirm PSR details at least every 2 years; water companies have similar review obligations. Update the supplier whenever circumstances change (e.g. new medical equipment, change of address).

Bills

Priority Services Register: free extra help with energy and water

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In short. The Priority Services Register is a free Ofgem and Ofwat scheme that gives extra support to people in vulnerable circumstances — older people, those with disabilities or long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, families with young children, and people facing temporary hardship. Each energy and water supplier keeps a register and provides services including 48 hours' notice of planned outages, alternative communication formats and password schemes for callers.

The PSR is set out in supplier licence conditions enforced by Ofgem (energy) and Ofwat (water). It is free to join and does not affect bills or eligibility for any other support.

Last reviewed: 26 May 2026Next review by: 26 November 20262 min read

Who is eligible

State Pension age or older
Disability, long-term medical condition, or chronic illness (including dependency on medical equipment that needs power)
Mental health condition affecting day-to-day living
Hearing or visual impairment
Pregnant women and households with children under 5
Recovering from a hospital stay or recent bereavement
Temporary needs (e.g. recently moved, lost a relative)
Limited or no English

What the supplier must provide

Advance notice of planned power or water outages (48 hours minimum)
Priority reconnection after an unplanned outage
Alternative meter reading and bill formats (large print, Braille, audio, talking bills)
Password scheme to verify any caller claiming to be from the supplier
Where supply is critical (e.g. dialysis or oxygen), alternative arrangements during outages
Help with reading meters or moving prepayment top-up points

How to register

Each supplier holds its own PSR. Sign up by phoning the supplier, using their website form or asking in writing. Registration is free and remains in place when switching supplier — most suppliers transfer the data, but it's worth confirming after any switch. Water companies operate the equivalent register; one form per company.

FAQ

Does joining the PSR cost anything?: No — registration and the additional services are free. It does not affect tariffs, credit scoring or eligibility for any other support.
Does the PSR mean my electricity won't be cut off?: It means the supplier must take vulnerability into account when deciding on disconnection, and must offer alternative arrangements where supply is medically critical. It does not give an absolute guarantee against disconnection for non-payment, but in practice disconnection of vulnerable customers is extremely rare.
Do I need to re-register every year?: Energy suppliers must reconfirm PSR details at least every 2 years; water companies have similar review obligations. Update the supplier whenever circumstances change (e.g. new medical equipment, change of address).

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