- Ofgem: your supplier and your network operator “will both keep a Priority Services Register.”1
- You can ask to join if you have reached State Pension age, are pregnant or have young children, struggle with speaking or reading English, or live with a disability or long-term medical condition.1
- It gives extra help such as priority support in an emergency and, wherever possible, advance notice of planned power cuts.1
- Contact your supplier or network operator online, in writing or by phone.1
- Last checked: 28 October 2026.
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Who can join
Ofgem says you can ask to join if you have reached state pension age, are pregnant or have young children, or struggle with speaking or reading English.1
You can also join if you live with a disability or a long-term medical condition, including mental health conditions, conditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smell, and conditions that mean you use medical equipment that needs a power supply.1
Help is also available if your circumstances have recently changed, for example if you are recovering from an injury or a hospital stay, have been bereaved or have lost your job.1
What you can get
Ofgem lists: priority support in an emergency; advance notice of scheduled power cuts, wherever possible; an identification and password scheme if someone needs to visit or contact you; nominating someone to receive communications and bills; moving your prepayment meter if you cannot safely reach it to top up; regular meter readings; bills in large print or braille; and help reconnecting your gas supply.1
How to join
“Get in touch with your supplier or network operator directly and give them as much information as you can about your needs.”1
If you have a different supplier for gas and electricity, contact each of them. If you switch supplier, ask the new one to add you to its register.1
Northern Ireland
NIE Networks runs a Customer Care Register for people who rely on electricity for healthcare needs. It gives extra support during a power cut: calls from registered customers are given priority, and for planned interruptions NIE Networks says it will contact you at least three days beforehand.2
It is narrower than the Priority Services Register in England, Scotland and Wales, so check its conditions with NIE Networks.2