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Energy Priority Services Register: what it is and why it matters

What the energy Priority Services Register can provide, who keeps the information and what it does not guarantee.

Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance

In brief

The Priority Services Register records additional support needs with energy suppliers and network operators. Support may include accessible communication, nominated contacts, meter help, advance notice and priority information during interruptions.

It does not guarantee uninterrupted supply, faster reconnection in every event or a cheaper bill. Financial support and emergency arrangements must be requested separately.

Register the practical need

Explain the help required rather than only the condition. Needs can be temporary or permanent and may relate to age, disability, pregnancy, children or communication.

Check supplier and network records

The supplier handles the account; local electricity and gas networks manage infrastructure. Ask whether information is shared with consent and which organisations have recorded it.

Create an outage plan

Keep emergency numbers, charged communication, medication and medical-equipment backup advice. Discuss clinical contingency with the healthcare team; the register cannot replace a safe medical plan.

Review details after changes

Update address, contact, equipment and supporter details. Ask for accessible bills and password schemes where offered. Report failures through the supplier or network complaint route.

A Priority Services request

Use with the supplier and network.

I want to join or update the Priority Services Register because I need [specific communication, meter or outage support]. Please record the practical need, tell me whether it is shared with the network operator, confirm the services available and explain the emergency plan for my area.

A practical checklist

  • Describe support needed, not only diagnosis.
  • Confirm supplier and network registration.
  • Maintain a separate medical outage plan.
  • Update details after moving or changing needs.

Check the current information

These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.

Join your supplier’s Priority Services Register — Ofgem

ofgem.gov.uk

Open official information
Get help with your energy bills — Ofgem Regulator guidance on bill support, debt help and Priority Services Registers.

ofgem.gov.uk

Open official information
Warm Home Discount Scheme — GOV.UK The separate official discount scheme; joining a Priority Services Register does not itself award this discount.

gov.uk

Open official information
Free, impartial money guidance

moneyhelper.org.uk

Open official information

Warm Home Discount and Priority Services Register

The difference between the Warm Home Discount and the Priority Services Register, who controls each scheme and why a household may need both.

Read this guide

Energy bill support and hardship funds: where to start

Where to start when energy is unaffordable: accurate billing, affordable payments, supplier support, grants and urgent protection from loss of supply.

Read this guide

Crisis Mode: food, warmth, housing and urgent support first

A triage plan for the next few hours when there is no food, warmth, power or safe place to stay.

Read this guide

Choose one next action

You do not need to finish everything today. Find a relevant organisation through National Help, or save the action you want to return to in your Support Plan.

Use National HelpOpen my Support Plan

A few closely related starting points, chosen from the same support library.

Warm Home Discount and Priority Services RegisterThe difference between the Warm Home Discount and the Priority Services Register, who controls each scheme and why a household may need both.Energy bill support and hardship funds: where to startWhere to start when energy is unaffordable: accurate billing, affordable payments, supplier support, grants and urgent protection from loss of supply.Crisis Mode: food, warmth, housing and urgent support firstA triage plan for the next few hours when there is no food, warmth, power or safe place to stay.

Use this with a HiddenHelp tool

Turn the information into one manageable next step.

Open Support FinderUse a Self Help sheetBrowse life situations

HiddenHelp explains options and helps you organise a next step. It does not decide eligibility, make awards, or replace regulated legal, medical or financial advice.