If you or someone you’re caring for has Alzheimer’s or dementia, the Priority Services Register (PSR) could give you extra support with your energy needs.
“The Priority Services Register can give you peace of mind, knowing that there’s extra help available, for example if there’s a power cut or interruption to the water supply,” says Kelly Chable, Home Energy Advisor at ADSS. “You can also get help with things like reading your gas or electricity meter.”
Being on the Priority Services Register could give you practical help in a number of ways. Here are 5 of the benefits your energy supplier could offer:
You can contact your electricity supplier 24/7 for priority updates if there’s a power cut. If the power is being cut off because of essential maintenance work, you’ll get advanced warning so you can plan ahead.
Your energy supplier may be able to provide extra help in an emergency. That could include providing bottled water or a portable generator to provide electricity.
The nominee scheme means you can name a trusted family member or friend to deal with information and updates from your energy supplier for you, for example regarding any interruptions to your gas or electricity supply.
Electricity, gas and water companies work with local authorities and emergency services to provide extra support for people on the Priority Services Register.
If you’re on the Priority Services Register, you can set a password to use when your energy supplier phones you, or if they come to your house, for example to read the meter.
Your energy supplier will be able to tell you exactly which benefits they offer.
So, who’s eligible to be on the Priority Services Register? “If you have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia or memory impairment, you can go on the Register,” says Kelly. “You can also register if you have any sensory impairment, including loss of smell, taste, hearing or sight.”
You can also register if you:
1. Need electricity for medical equipment, like a Lifeline personal alarm or a stairlift
2. Need electricity to keep medicines cold
3. Depend on water because of problems with incontinence or certain skin conditions
Find out more about who’s eligible for the Priority Services Register.
Signing up for the Priority Services Register is free and straightforward. Our Home Energy Advisor, Kelly Chable is happy to help people register, as well as giving advice on all aspects of energy use in the home. “Our advice includes ways of staying warm in winter, saving energy and keeping safe, for example by providing carbon monoxide detectors,” she says. “If you’re in need of guidance, or think you might be eligible for the Priority Services Register, please get in touch.”
You can contact Kelly here - link to HE email.