Priority Services Register and utility supply
Priority Services Register (PSR)
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a list of customers that energy suppliers, Distribution Network Operators and water utilities retain to identify, prioritise and support those who need it most. It provides extra help and support to customers in vulnerable situations. These include, but are not limited to, those who are of pensionable age, those with a physical or mental disability and children under 5, as well as those who rely on power and heat for medical equipment.
In the event of an energy-related incident, whether this is an interruption to gas supply or a power outage, utility companies and suppliers would use this list to prioritise those who are most in need.
It is free to join a PSR, and the benefits and support offered, varies per supplier/utility provider.
Services can include (but aren’t limited to):
- Passwords: agree a password so you know you can trust the person at the door
- Direct support and direct contact information during a power cut
- Access to alternative cooking, heating and temporary hot water facilities, as well as priority restoration if their gas supply is interrupted
Who can join the PSR?
These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Those of pensionable age
- Families with children under 5
- People living with chronic illnesses and/or medical conditions
- Disabled people (physical or mental)
- Anyone that has any specific needs such as sight or hearing impairments
- Having poor or no sense of smell
- Anyone who would struggle to answer the door or seek help in an emergency
How you can join the PSR
You can join the PSR here: thepsr.co.uk
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety
CO is known as the ‘Silent Killer’ – you can’t see it, smell it, or taste it.
CO is produced when any fossil fuel such as gas, coal (including charcoal), petrol, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) doesn’t burn properly. This can happen when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired, or poorly maintained. It can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked. This section will explain what you need to know about carbon monoxide, signs to watch out for, and how to make your home safe.
Signs of CO
Some appliances will have visual signs that CO is present – these can include:
- Soots or stains around the appliance
- Pilot lights on the boiler frequently blowing out
- Extra condensation on windows
- Gas appliances with a floppy/orange flame when it should be crisp and blue
How to stay safe:
- Install a CO alarm in your home in the correct position and test them regularly (at least once a month). We have access to CO alarms or local fire services can usually install these/ smoke alarms
- Make sure rooms are well-ventilated and don’t block air vents or tape up any windows
- Make sure all chimneys and flues are swept annually by a qualified sweep
- Get your appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer
- Don’t use BBQs in an enclosed space, and definitely not indoors
- Never use ovens or gas ranges to heat your home
Symptoms:
Symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to those of food poisoning, COVID-19 and the flu. However, CO poisoning does not cause a high temperature and symptoms will be alleviated once you leave the affected area and go outside into fresh air. Symptoms can include (but aren’t limited to):
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Vomiting and nausea
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue and confusion
What to do if you suspect CO:
- Evacuate the property immediately
- Call the National Gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident
- Don’t go back into the property – wait for advice from the gas emergency service
Who is most at risk?
In reality, everyone is at risk if they breathe in CO, but some are more at risk than others – this includes:
- Disabled people
- Older people
- Children
- Expectant mothers
- Those with respiratory or heart conditions
- Young adults
It's important to prevent the risk of CO poisoning by making sure your home is safe. The Fire Service offers free safety checks of your home. More information can be found here: https://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/
Water
If you're struggling to pay for your water bills and you haven't got a meter it is worth checking with your provider whether you could have one installed - as it might save you money in the long run. Depending on your supplier you may be able to obtain a water meter for an assessed charge or you could even rent one for a fixed period.
If you're not certain whether switching to a meter would save you money us the CCW's water calculator to find how much you could save.
There is also a scheme called WaterSure which could help you pay for your water bills. To be eligible you need to:
- have a water meter installed or have applied or awaiting installation or be paying an assessed charge because you cannot fit a water meter at your property
- be on certain means tested benefits
- have a high essential use of water.
If you are uncertain who provides your water and waste provider, enter your postcode in the Water UK website to find out.
Energy
If you have energy debt you may be able to get a grant to pay off the debt, depending on who your supplier is.
There are numerous government schemes supporting energy costs and savings measures. To find out more visit Ofgem's website.
Useful Contacts
- Find my Gas Distribution Network
- Apply for boiler upgrade scheme
- Find an engineer on the Gas Safe Register
- Find information on the national fuel poverty website: National Energy Action
- Access free energy advice service from LEAP - Local Energy and Advice Partnership
- Access information about accessing support with energy bills from gov.uk
- Access information and advice on saving money on your energy bills from the Energy Saving Trust
