A government minister has issued an update urging UK households to look at signing up
Martin McCluskey, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the DESNZ, speaking in the House of Commons – file image(Image: Parliament TV)
Six groups of people struggling with energy bills across the UK could get help by signing up to a little-known register. A government minister has issued an update highlighting the benefits of joining the register after being questioned about households in the UK grappling with soaring energy costs.
The register is officially known as the Priority Services Register. It is free to join and may assist households facing steeper energy costs due to the Iran war. The conflict has driven up the price of gas and oil on global markets the UK buys from, with consequences for UK petrol, diesel, gas, heating oil and electricity prices.
Officials say the register can provide support to many different types of people struggling to meet their bills. According to official UK energy regulator Ofgem, both your energy supplier and your network operator (the company responsible for the pipes and wires that carry electricity and gas) will maintain a Priority Services Register.
Ofgem says on its website: “Joining their Priority Services Register means you’ll be able to get a range of extra help when you need it. This could be all the time, or for a short period due to something that’s happened in your life.”
The register was highlighted as something worth considering in a Parliamentary response issued on Friday, April 17. It followed a question from Scott Arthur, Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, who asked what steps the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) “is taking to support individuals with high domestic power bills arising from complex medical needs, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in energy prices.”
The government pointed to the register in its reply – and also highlighted three other ways UK households may be able to get help. Martin McCluskey, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the DESNZ, said in response: “From April, households will benefit from a reduction in energy bills thanks to the action that the Government took in the Budget, with the price cap falling by £117, giving households certainty on their bills until July.
“The government have also announced £53 million for low-income families, who heat their homes with oil to help tackle surging prices. Funding is being delivered by local authorities through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.
“They may also be eligible for support such as the Warm Home Discount and I would urge anyone in such a challenging situation to contact their energy supplier or Citizens Advice to see what further support is available. Vulnerable consumers who need extra support are also able to sign up for the Priority Services Register for free.”
What help could I get from the Priority Services Register?
Ofgem says joining the Priority Services Register means you could access a range of additional support whenever you need it — whether on an ongoing basis or temporarily due to a change in your circumstances.
Some of the help available includes:
- the chance to move your prepayment meter if you can’t safely get to it to top up
- priority support in an emergency
- advanced notice of scheduled power cuts, wherever possible
- an identification and password scheme if someone needs to visit or contact you, helping you feel confident they are genuine
- the ability to nominate someone to receive communications and bills from your supplier, for example a family member, carer or someone you trust
- regular meter reading services
- account information and bills in large print or braille
- assistance reconnecting your gas supply, if you need it
Who can benefit from the Priority Services Register?
Six broad groups of people can benefit from support. These are:
- people who have reached state pension age
- mums who are pregnant
- mums who have young children
- people who struggle with speaking or reading English
- people living with a disability or a long-term medical condition, such as mental health conditions, conditions affecting your sight, hearing or sense of smell, or conditions that mean you need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply
- people whose circumstances have recently changed, for example if you are recovering from an injury; or need support after a stay in hospital; have been bereaved; or have lost your job
How can I join the Priority Services Register?
Ofgem advises that you should contact your supplier or network operator directly and provide them with as much detail as possible on your situation.
You can reach them online, in writing or by phone. Information on how to do this should be available on their website. If you’re unsure which energy provider to get in touch with, simply follow the guidance on Ofgem’s find your energy supplier page.
