Priority Services Register 2026: Switching Energy

Last updated: Thursday 29 October 2026

In short: Being on the Priority Services Register (PSR) does not stop you switching energy supplier. Ofgem says your supplier and your network operator each keep their own register, and if you switch supplier you need to ask to join the new supplier’s register (Ofgem). The PSR is free and does not change what you pay. Ofgem’s typical dual-fuel bill for 1 October to 31 December 2026 is £1,723 a year by Direct Debit (Ofgem, 26 August 2026), but that is a typical figure, not your bill.

What the Priority Services Register is

The PSR is a free list of customers who need extra help. Ofgem lists the support as including (Ofgem):

• priority support in an emergency

• advance notice of planned power cuts, wherever possible

• an identification and password scheme for anyone who visits or calls

• nominating a family member, carer or someone you trust to receive bills and letters

• moving a prepayment meter if you cannot safely reach it

• regular meter reading help, and bills in large print or braille

• help reconnecting your gas supply if you need it

Joining the register does not change your unit rate, and there is no special PSR tariff.

Supplier register and network register

Your supplier is the company that bills you. Your network operator runs the wires and pipes to your street, and it does not change when you switch supplier. Both keep a register. If you have different suppliers for gas and electricity, Ofgem says you need to contact each one.

Who can join

Ofgem says you can ask to join if you have reached state pension age, are pregnant or have young children, or struggle with speaking or reading English. You can also join if you live with a disability or a long-term medical condition, including mental health conditions, conditions affecting sight, hearing or smell, and conditions that mean you use medical equipment that needs power. Help is also available after a recent change, such as recovering from an injury or a hospital stay, a bereavement or losing your job.

The PSR is not means-tested, and getting benefits does not put you on it automatically: you or someone you trust has to ask. It is also separate from the Warm Home Discount.

The October to December 2026 figures

Source: Ofgem unit rates and standing charges. £1,723 divided by 12 is about £144 a month. Medical equipment, longer heating hours or someone at home all day can push a real bill above that, so compare using your own kWh.

Can you switch if you are on the PSR?

Yes. The PSR does not tie you to a supplier. The main thing to manage is your support: register again with the new supplier, and check that any password or nominee arrangement is set up there too.

• On a default tariff with no exit fee: compare deals for your postcode and usage, and switch if the first-year cost is lower. Then re-register for the PSR.

• On a fixed deal with a high exit fee: stay unless the saving clearly beats the fee. Check that your network operator still has you registered.

• Already on a good fixed deal: no need to switch; make sure both registers are up to date before winter.

Medical equipment and power cuts

If someone at home relies on electrically powered medical equipment, tell both your supplier and your electricity network operator. Being on the register means you can be told about planned power cuts and get priority support in an emergency. It does not guarantee your power will come back faster or that there will be no power cuts, so keep a plan with your carers for what to do if the power goes off.

Switching steps with a PSR checklist

1. Write down the support you use (medical, communication, nominee, password).

2. Check whether you are on a default tariff or a fixed deal, and any exit fee.

3. Find 12 months of electricity and gas kWh, or estimate carefully.

4. Compare deals with the same postcode, meter type and payment method.

5. Switch only if the first-year total is lower after exit fees.

6. When the welcome pack arrives, join the new supplier’s PSR and check your network operator still has you registered.

Examples (illustrations, not quotes)

Daughter helping her mother: her mother is on the PSR for hearing needs and has a password set up. A quote shows £90 saved in the first year with no exit fee. She switches, then calls the new supplier that week to set up the PSR, password and nominee details.

Couple with powered medical equipment: they compare tariffs, then speak to the new supplier before any smart meter appointment so a carer can be there.

Fixed until spring 2027: no need to switch; they check their network operator still has them registered.

Who can authorise a switch

If the account is in the name of the person who needs support, they, or someone with legal authority such as a power of attorney, must agree to the switch. If a landlord holds the account, tenants cannot change the supplier, but they can still ask to join the network operator’s register.

Before you switch, note your tariff name, meter numbers (MPAN and MPRN) and any PSR reference. When the welcome pack arrives, check the rates match and your support needs are recorded. You can cancel a switch within 14 days (Ofgem).

Related guide: should I switch energy supplier

FAQ

What is the Priority Services Register?

A free register kept by energy suppliers and network operators for customers who need extra help, such as advance notice of planned power cuts, a password scheme and accessible bills. It does not set your rates.

Can I switch energy supplier if I am on the PSR?

Yes. Being on the register does not tie you to a supplier, but you need to ask to join the new supplier’s register after you switch.

Do I lose PSR support when I switch?

You need to register again with your new supplier. Your network operator does not change when you switch supplier, but check it still has your details.

Who can join the Priority Services Register?

Ofgem lists people of state pension age, people who are pregnant or have young children, people with a disability or long-term condition, people with communication needs and people who need short-term help, for example after a hospital stay.

Does the PSR mean my power will be restored first?

No. It means priority support in an emergency and, where possible, advance notice of planned power cuts. It does not guarantee a faster reconnection, so keep a plan if you rely on medical equipment.

Is the PSR the same as the Warm Home Discount?

No. The Warm Home Discount is a separate £150 bill discount with its own eligibility rules. The PSR is free extra support.

Is £1,723 what I will pay?

No. It is Ofgem’s typical dual-fuel Direct Debit bill for October to December 2026. Your bill depends on your usage, region and payment method.