Those of State Pension age could be missing out on support on offer
Ofgem urges customers of state pension age to join a register offering support(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Those who have reached state pension age are being encouraged to sign up to potential free support, following concerns that millions of households could be missing out. Regulator Ofgem has highlighed a little-known register which older customers – and some other groups – can join.
In a post on X, Ofgem said: “The Priority Services Register is a free service designed to provide additional support to people that might need it. By joining, you can receive tailored assistance from your energy supplier to meet your specific needs.”
Anyone of state pension age is eligible to sign up, as The Express reports.. The current state pension age is 66 for both men and women.
It is a requiement for energy suppliers and network operators – the firms which are responsible for the pipes and wires carrying gas and electricity – to maintain a Priority Services Register. Below is a guide to it and how to apply.
Available help
Customers on the register can access a range of extra support, either permanently or for a short period if their circumstances change. According to Ofgem, this can include the following:
Priority support in an emergencyAdvance notice of planned power cuts, wherever possibleAn identification and password scheme if someone needs to visit or contact youThe ability to nominate someone, such as a family member or carer, to receive communications and billsMoving a pre-payment meter if you cannot safely access itRegular meter readingsBills and account information in large print or brailleHelp reconnecting a gas supply, if needed
The scheme is particularly important for vulnerable customers, especially during periods of cold weather or power outages. And it is not just pensioners who are eligible to join.
Others eligible to join
As well as people who have reached state pension age, the register is open to those who:
Are pregnant or have young childrenStruggle with speaking or reading English
Those living with a disability or long-term medical condition, including mental health conditions, sight or hearing impairments, can also qualify, as well as those who rely upon medical equipment that requires electricity.
Support also may be available if a person’s circumstances have recently changed: for example if someone is recovering from an injury; has been bereaved or has lost their job.
How to sign up
Customers must contact their energy supplier or network operator direct in order to join. This usually can be done online; in writing or by phone. Relevant details should be available on bills or company websites.
Anyone who has separate suppliers for gas and electricity must contact each separately. Customers who switch supplier will also need to re-register with their new firm.
Ofgem also notes that similar free priority schemes operate in other sectors, including water, telecoms and public transport.
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