The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service run by energy suppliers, electricity network operators and water companies. People on it get extra support during a power cut or water outage.
Who can join?
Eligibility varies by company, but usually includes people who are of pensionable age, disabled, living with a long-term medical condition, rely on medical equipment that needs electricity, have young children, or are in a vulnerable situation (even temporarily, such as after an operation).
What you get
- Advance warning of planned power cuts.
- Priority updates and support during unplanned cuts.
- In some cases, hot meals, a welfare visit or bottled water delivery.
- Password schemes so you can check the person at your door is genuine.
How to sign up
Contact your energy supplier, your electricity network operator (call 105 to find out who it is) and your water company. Many share the register, but it's worth checking each one.
Setting this up for a parent? See our kit for elderly parents.