The PSR – Help for you and your ageing parents
Read more
The priority services register is a free UK wide service which provides extra advice and support especially during periods when the gas, power or water supply is interrupted. In the UK, the national regulators (Ofgem and Ofwat) require all utility suppliers and network distribution companies to give special priority to any consumers who mighty be in vulnerable situations by developing and maintaining a Priority Services Register (PSR).
It’s almost certain that your parents will be eligible for the PSR – but you, or your friends and neighbours might also be eligible. It is not means tested and is for anyone who:
Registering for priority services can help make life simpler and safer for you and yours.
The benefits to being on the PSR can include:
Priority support in an emergency can be especially important for anyone who relies on electricity to operate a stair lift, breathing apparatus or other medical or monitoring equipment. If suppliers or network operators know about the risks, then they might even make alternative arrangements such as organising a temporary electricity generator.
Despite the benefits and concerted efforts to promote the PSR, studies around the country show that only around 30% of those eligible for the PSR are accessing the scheme, and in some areas the levels are much lower.
You can apply to the PSR on your parent’s behalf.
Each electricity gas and water network operator has their own PSR and the available support services can vary. Many companies pride themselves on going the extra mile for their customers. The operators vary by postcode. You can find your local operator – or the company networking power or gas to your parent’s home – and discover the extra services they offer at http://thepsr.co.uk. The same link will take you to the relevant company’s registration form.
Be reassured that these companies and the national regulators ensure that all information is collected and stored according to the highest possible standards of data protection.
The caller password system put my mind at rest
I didn’t need to supply any special power of attorney forms
It stopped me worrying about cooking and heating if the main gas was cut off
Sign up to our newsletter and get access to all of our helpful tools and resources to support you and your parents on your carenting journey
Published March 2021, updated April 2023, July 2023
Please email any feedback to [email protected]
Sign up for our newsletter - essential tips, updates and more directly to your inbox
Sign up hereThis website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More
Name | Domain | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
wpl_user_preference | carents.co.uk | WP GDPR Cookie Consent Preferences. | 1 year | HTTP |
Name | Domain | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
_gid | carents.co.uk | Google Universal Analytics short-time unique user tracking identifier. | 1 days | HTTP |
_ga | carents.co.uk | Google Universal Analytics long-time unique user tracking identifier. | 2 years | HTTP |
Name | Domain | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
__cf_bm | hsforms.net | Generic CloudFlare functional cookie. | Session | HTTP |
Name | Domain | Purpose | Expiry | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
_gat_UA-177634583-1 | carents.co.uk | --- | Session | --- |
__stid | sharethis.com | --- | 1 year | --- |
cf_clearance | carents.co.uk | --- | 1 year | --- |
_ga_CYDEH078RL | carents.co.uk | --- | 2 years | --- |
_ga_577HPZSLX1 | carents.co.uk | --- | 2 years | --- |
_cfuvid | hubspot.com | --- | 54 years | --- |