Priority Services Register: we’re here for you

What is the Priority Services Register?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free support service for people in vulnerable situations. Each energy supplier has their own PSR. It’s a system developed by Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, to make sure help’s available for those who need it. 

Find out if you can sign up to the Priority Services Register

This list gives some idea of who can join – but it’s not exhaustive. Support can also be given to those experiencing temporary difficulties in their lives – such as bereavement, pregnancy or recovering from an operation. But, generally, it’s possible you could join the Priority Services Register if you are:

• Disabled

• Chronically sick

• Bedridden

• Living with dementia

• Of pensionable age

• Living with children under 5

• Experiencing mental health issues

• Living with learning difficulties

• Unable to speak English

How do I sign up to the Priority Services Register?

You, or a carer/family member can sign up, using one of the following options:

• Print out this application form and post it to us.

• Fill out this application form online.

• If you pay monthly for your energy, call us on 0330 303 5063 (Monday to Friday 8am-6pm) and we can register you over the phone

• Or if you pay as you go for your energy, call us on 0330 175 9669 (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday)

Unless you sign up, we won’t know about your personal needs. So get in touch, and we can make sure you get the help you need, especially in an emergency. Remember, the PSR is completely free and confidential.

How can the Priority Services Register help?

We’ll work out exactly how to support you when you apply. But here are just some of the things we can help with:

• Alternative communication – if you’re visually impaired, we can send black and white, large print, audio or braille bills and statements to you and/or a family member/carer. We can also give you a call to read out your bills and statements to you if you prefer. 

• Free Gas Safety Checks – some PSR members can get free Gas Safety Checks. Check if you're eligible for a free check:

  • Live with a child under five years old,

  • Live alone or with others and have reached state pension age, or

  • Live alone or with others and are disabled or chronically ill,

  • Live with others who have reached state pension age or are disabled, chronically ill or under 18 years old

• I’m eligible. How do I apply? Just call 0330 303 5063 and we’ll get you booked in

• What happens at a gas safety check?

  • A Gas Safe registered* engineer will come to your home to check the safety of your gas appliances and other gas fittings.

  • They’ll also examine the effectiveness of any flue, the supply of combustion air, it's operating pressure and/or heat input and that it's operating safely. If the engineer spots anything that’s faulty or not safe, they’ll disconnect your gas supply before they leave

  • The Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the gas registration body in Great Britain and the Isle of Man on 1 April 2009.

• Notice of planned power cuts – we can advise you well in advance of planned power cuts. This is especially important if you have medical equipment that needs powering. 

• Move your meter or Pay As You Go meter – if you find it difficult to read or reach your meter, we can relocate it for easier access. 

• Send an engineer to read your meter – if there’s no one at home to help read your meter, we’re happy to send someone over. For your peace of mind, you can ask our OVO engineer to use a password, so you know who you’re letting in.

Free service for British Sign Language users

In addition to the other PSR services, we’ve recently teamed up with SignVideo to help those hard of hearing. Through the service, you can have a British Sign Language interpreter help you manage your energy. This is a free service, available from Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. 

First time using a BSL service?

It’s super-easy to use. Just click this link, download the SignVideo Live plug-in and create an account. 

The live video link will connect you with an interpreter and you can ask them what you need to know. They’ll send your question back to us at OVO, we’ll answer, and they’ll sign it back to you. Easy! You don’t need any special equipment, just an internet connection and your phone/computer/tablet.

How do we protect your personal information?

When you sign up to PSR, there’s some personal information we’ll need to know – like your phone number and address. But don’t worry, we’ll never share it with anyone for marketing purposes (so no one will bother you with sales calls). 

Your data will be stored on our secure systems. We’ll only share it when necessary, with those who supply your electricity, gas or water – such as:

• Meter operators

• Engineering partners

• Network operators

• Water and sewerage companies

If you prefer, you can ask us not to share your data. But this would mean we may not be able to fully help or support you. For example, in the event of a power failure, we couldn’t tell a network operator to make sure you get power back first. We also couldn’t offer you a free Gas Safety Check, or include you in our password scheme. 

If you’re concerned,  you can read more about how we protect your sensitive personal data, in our Privacy Policy.  

How you can support a loved one or friend

If you’re here looking for help to support a loved one or friend manage their OVO Energy account, here’s what you need to do:

Ask them to nominate you

If you look after someone vulnerable who’s eligible for the Priority Service Register, they can nominate you to speak to us on their behalf. Get in touch if you need to know more, on 0330 303 5063. 

Get a power of attorney from the government

If you need to make important decisions for a loved one or friend, you may need a power of attorney from the government. Give us a call if you need to find out more. 

Other ways OVO can help you or your loved ones

The Priority Service Register is just one way OVO can offer you support. There are many other services, grants and tips to help you manage your energy needs:

Warm Home Discount

OVO is one of the participating suppliers in this scheme, which offers a one-off payment of £150 towards your energy bills. The money comes directly off your bill, rather than being paid into your bank account. You may be eligible if you’re:

• Getting the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit

• On a low income

• Disabled

Find out more about the Warm Home Discount and how to apply for it, on our blog post.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Scheme

OVO is also part of the ECO scheme – another way you can get support if you’re vulnerable, or on a low income. The ECO scheme brings together the UK’s bigger energy suppliers to contribute to energy-saving improvements for eligible households. You could get financial help with installing:

• Loft insulation

• Cavity wall insulation

• Solid wall insulation

• A new boiler

• Air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps

ECO is available to both homeowners and renters, and you don’t need to be a customer of one of the suppliers that offer the grants. To find out if you can join the scheme, head to the Ofgem site for a full list of the criteria. 

Help with gas and electricity bills

It's not uncommon for anyone to fall behind with their gas or electricity bills at some point. That’s why suppliers have procedures in place to help their customers – and they’ll do all they can to make it possible for you to keep on top of things.

The most important thing to do is let your supplier know as soon as you fall into difficulty. This way, they can help you get back on track without being cut off. 

Read our helpful, step-by-step guide about what to do if you need help with your gas and electricity bills. It includes further information about grants and benefits that might help you. 

Energy saving tips

OVO are all about helping their members understand their energy use, cut their carbon footprint and reduce their bills. Here are 5 helpful ways you could start saving money:

1. Get a smart meter installed

These handy devices come with 2 great benefits. They:

• Send your meter readings automatically – no more tiresome meter readings!

• Help you track the energy you’re using in your home – so you can easily see where to make tweaks to save energy, and money. 

The UK is on a mission to get smart meters in every home by 2024 – so all OVO members can get a free installation. 

2. Be efficient with hot water and heating

 Heating is responsible for over half an average UK household’s energy bills. Find out how you can be more efficient with your heating, and save money. 

3. Energy-efficiency around the house

Check out 7 ways you can make your home more energy-efficient. And learn how you could get financial help, to make a difference. 

4. Reduce your gas and electricity bills

 This guide shows you 8 simple ways you could reduce your electricity and gas bills, with just a few tweaks to your daily lifestyle. And without spending too much money. 

5. Save money on your central heating bills

Sometimes, you don’t need to use whole-house central heating. Read our guide to the most energy-efficient standalone heaters, and see how much you could save.