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.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
The Warm Home Discount is an energy-bill reduction with rules that differ across Great Britain and can change by scheme year. The Priority Services Register is not a discount: it records support needs such as accessible communication, advance notice or help during supply interruptions.
Being on the Priority Services Register does not automatically produce the Warm Home Discount, and receiving a discount does not automatically register support needs. Check each route separately with the supplier and official scheme information.
Warm Home Discount: check the scheme year and nation
Eligibility, automatic matching and application routes can differ between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland arrangements. Use the current government or supplier page and respond promptly to any letter asking for evidence. Do not rely on last winter’s criteria.
Priority Services: describe the support, not only the diagnosis
Tell the supplier and network operator what would help: bills in another format, a nominated contact, password scheme, notice of planned interruptions, support reading a meter or priority communication during an outage. Registration should be reviewed when needs or address change.
Contact both supplier and network where necessary
The supplier manages the energy account, while the electricity network operator and gas network deal with infrastructure and outages. Information may be shared with consent, but confirm who has recorded the need and keep the registration reference.
When energy is already unaffordable
Ask about payment support, hardship funds and accurate meter readings separately. Neither the discount nor the register is a complete debt solution, and urgent loss of supply needs the appropriate emergency route.
A two-part energy request
This keeps financial help and accessibility support distinct.
Please check whether my household is covered by the current Warm Home Discount rules and tell me whether any action or evidence is required. I also want to join or update the Priority Services Register because I need [specific support]. Please confirm which details are shared with the network operator and record both requests separately.
A practical checklist
- Check the current scheme year and nation.
- Register the practical support needed on the Priority Services Register.
- Confirm whether supplier and network records are both updated.
- Ask separately about arrears or payment difficulty.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationofgem.gov.uk
Open official informationofgem.gov.uk
Open official informationgov.uk
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