Getting extra support from your energy supplier through the Priority Services Register
If you sign up with the Priority Services Register with your energy suppliers (gas and electricity) you could get extra help.
For example, if there is a power cut, someone can check up on you and provide hot meals. You may also want someone to check your meter regularly or move your prepayment meter.
To get this extra help, you can apply to be added to your electricity network priority services register.
Your electricity network is the company that supplies the energy and not the company you pay your bills through. For example, for our tenants in the Fylde, South Ribble and Hyndburn areas, this will be Electricity North West: www.enwl.co.uk/build-area/priority-services-register/
For our tenants in other areas, you can find the website for your electricity network on the 105 website: www.powercut105.com/FindOperator or www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
You can also call 0870 608 1524 to find out who your gas supplier is (this is a chargeable number).
If you have a gas supply, your electricity network will give your details to your gas network operator as well as your energy supplier. This means they can also add you to their priority services registers and offer you extra support.
How do you get on the Priority Services Register?
1. Check if you're eligible
You'll normally be able to get priority services if your energy companies class you as 'vulnerable'.
You could be classed as vulnerable if you:
- are disabled or have a long-term health condition
- are recovering from an injury
- have mental health problems
- don't speak or read English well
- have children under 5 or are pregnant
- have reached your State Pension age
If your situation isn't listed, you might still be able to sign up for priority services for other reasons - for example, if you're recently bereaved, lost your job, or you've returned to living independently after some time in residential care.
2. Fill in the priority services form
To find the right form, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out which energy network covers your area via the 105 website: www.powercut105.com/FindOperator or www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator
Once you know this, visit their website and find the form to apply for priority services.
After you apply, your energy companies will tell you if you can get priority services. They might also ask extra questions about what help you need.
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