Priority Services Register.

[zaax]

Can we be added to the UK's Priority Services Register?

[Greenbunnies]

Yes we can - that's what I was told by a Macmillan benefits advisor. It seems like pretty much the only benefit we're entitled to in fact...

[Newdawn Administrator]

This is the criteria from Ofgem for inclusion;

have reached your state pension age

are disabled or have a long-term medical condition

are recovering from an injury

have a hearing or sight condition

have a mental health condition

are pregnant or have young children

have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well)

need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply

have poor or no sense of smell

would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency.

You might still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed. For example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital. 

I’m registered and have used it during an emergency situation. We also got British Gas to do a visit within the hour to a very elderly neighbour when they initially offered a next day response.

Newdawn

[Thursday45 in reply to Newdawn]

I’ve never heard of this - how do you register?

[kitchengardener2 in reply to Newdawn]

Not heard of this and I worked in benefits. How do we register please?

[Newdawn Administrator in reply to kitchengardener2]

This link explains;

ofgem.gov.uk/information-co....

Newdawn

[Walkingtall62 in reply to Newdawn]

Thanks everyone for this. I did water, but don’t think I have done gas, electricity or phones. Will check. Take care

[Ghounds]

Short answer is yes.

[mrsjsmith]

I heard about it when I registered with my water company last year to be able to use a garden hose during a ban. Much to my surprise I was then registered to the U.K. Power Network Priority Services. I was sceptical but earlier this month I received a telephone call and text saying my electricity might be affected because of emergency work.

Colette

[Walkingtall62 in reply to mrsjsmith]

oh, didn’t know I could use hose pipe, but was told if water was cut off, bottled water would be delivered to me. Take care

[devonrr]

Have registered with the utility companies. We have just started a hosepipe ban in my county probably until December! Received an e mail from the water company to say I’m exempt from the ban. Neighbours will not understand as I look totally normal!!!

[kitchengardener2 in reply to devonrr]

Sorry that you have a hosepipe ban but we just can not understand how, with all the rain we had, Devon and Cornwall in particular, there can be a water shortage!!!

[devonrr in reply to kitchengardener2]

Not to hijack the thread but in reply. Devon and Cornwall has had increased holiday populations over the past 3 years because of the pandemic restrictions and holidays at home. Lots of people all wanting water. Of course many leaks as well.

Yes, unbelievable as wettest March for years and many fields still underwater.

[Harvist]

I registered with power company just after covid restrictions began. Seems CLL counts. I'd completely forgotten I had that until a recent email asking me to update my contact details!

[JEEA]

Gosh, most interested in registering. How does does one begin?

[Walkingtall62]

I looked on the web sites of individual providers, found phone number, or contact details and went from there. Then received confirmation in the form of a letter from the water company. All the best