Why You Should Know About the Priority Services Register
Life can be unpredictable. Whether we are facing the heat and dry spells of potential water shortages, or bracing for the biting cold and severe weather as winter approaches, the reliability of our home utilities is something we all rely on. But have you ever stopped to think about what would happen if your electricity, gas, or water supply were suddenly cut off?
For most of us, a supply interruption is an inconvenience. For others—such as older residents, individuals with chronic health conditions, or those who rely on powered medical equipment—it can be a serious risk.
If you or someone you know living in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, or North Somerset might need a little extra help during an emergency, there is a completely free, invaluable service designed to provide peace of mind: The Priority Services Register (PSR).
What is the Priority Services Register?
The Priority Services Register is a free, confidential support service run by utility companies. Once you are signed up, your energy and water suppliers know that you or members of your household may require tailored assistance if your supplies are interrupted.
Depending on your provider and your specific needs, benefits of the register can include:
Advanced notice of planned supply interruptions.
Priority support and emergency updates during unexpected power cuts or water outages.
Alternative provisions, such as emergency bottled water delivered straight to your door.
Additional support services like large-print bills, password protection schemes for home visits to guard against bogus callers, or nomination contacts (allowing a family member or carer to manage communications on your behalf).
Who is Eligible?
You don't have to be registered disabled or of a certain age to qualify; the criteria are broader than many people think. You are generally eligible if you:
Have reached state pension age.
Are disabled or have a long-term physical or mental health condition.
Are medically dependent on gas, electricity, or water (e.g., for home dialysis, oxygen concentrators, or specialised medical equipment).
Live with children aged 5 or under, or are pregnant.
Find yourself temporarily vulnerable due to life changes, a recent hospital stay, or recovery.
How to Register in the South Gloucestershire, Bristol, and North Somerset Areas
One important detail to keep in mind is that utility companies generally operate independently. While some water and energy networks share data links (for example, signing up with Bristol Water can automatically notify National Grid), your details are not automatically shared across every single utility provider.
Here is how you can get signed up locally:
1. The Easy, All-in-One Online Option
If you want to streamline the process, you can visit the centralised industry portal to find full details and register online in one place:
2. Local Water Providers
Depending on where you live across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset, your water supplier will be either Bristol Water or Wessex Water. You can apply directly through their dedicated accessibility teams:
Bristol Water: Covers much of Bristol and parts of the surrounding area. You can sign up via the Bristol Water Priority Services Page or call them directly on 0345 600 3600.
Wessex Water: Covers North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and wider Somerset/Wiltshire regions. You can register via the Wessex Water Priority Services Portal or call 0800 027 0800.
3. Electricity and Gas Network Suppliers
Your electricity network operator manages the physical cables and responds to power cuts in your area (for our region, this is primarily National Grid Electricity Distribution).
You can learn more and register directly via the National Grid Priority Services Hub.
Don't forget to also contact your energy bill supplier (the company you actually pay your gas and electricity bills to), as they maintain their own separate customer vulnerability registers.
Take a Moment Today
Severe weather and utility outages can happen when we least expect them. If you, an elderly relative, or a neighbour fit the criteria, taking 5 minutes to check the registers can make all the difference when it matters most.
Do you have a vulnerable friend or family member in the local area who might benefit from this? Share this post with them or help them sign up today!
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