Getting extra support from your energy supplier

If you find it hard to deal with your energy supply you could get extra help from your energy companies. For example, they might agree to:

• move your prepayment meter if you struggle to get to it

• send someone to check your meter regularly

• send your bills to another person - for example, a family member or carer

• send you bills in large print or braille

• give you extra support if you have a power cut - for example, sending someone to check on you and providing hot meals

To get extra help, you can apply to be added to your electricity network priority services register. Your electricity network is the company that manages your electricity cables.

If you have a gas supply, your electricity network will give your details to your gas network operator as well as your energy supplier. This means they can also add you to their priority services registers and offer you extra support.

Check if you're eligible

You'll normally be able to get priority services if your energy companies class you as 'vulnerable'.

You could be classed as vulnerable if you:

• are disabled or have a long-term health condition
• are recovering from an injury
• have mental health problems
• don't speak or read English well
• have children under 5 or are pregnant
• have reached your State Pension age

If your situation isn't listed, you might still be able to sign up for priority services for other reasons - for example, if you're recently bereaved or you've returned to living independently after some time in residential care.

Fill in the priority services form

To find the right form, the first thing you’ll need to do is find out which energy network covers your area.

Your energy network is the company that supplies energy in your area - this is different to the company that sends your bills.

Once you know your electricity network, you can fill in the form on their website to apply for priority services. You’ll need to give your contact details, and answer a few questions about your requirements. They can pass your details to your gas network operator as well as your energy supplier. This means they can also add you to their priority services registers and offer you extra support. You’ll need to agree to share your information - you’ll usually have to tick a box on the application form.

After you apply, your energy companies will tell you if you can get priority services. They might also ask extra questions about what help you need.

Find your electricity network

You can find the website for your electricity network on the 105 website.

If you can’t find the form or have trouble filling it in, contact your electricity network - you can get their contact details from their website.

If you don’t hear from your energy companies

It's worth calling your energy companies if you don't hear anything within 2 weeks - you can find their phone numbers on their websites.

Ask them:

• if you're on their priority services register
• what support they can offer you - give as much detail as you can about your needs

If you move home

Your new home might be covered by a different electricity network. This means you'll need to apply for priority services again.

If you’re struggling with living costs

If you’re struggling with money, there are things you can do to save on your regular living costs. Check what to do if you need help with living costs.

If you’re finding it hard to pay your bills, you can get help. Find out more about getting help with your bills.

You can also get help with debts.

If you're struggling to pay for food, find out how to get help from a food bank.