Is it safe to be on the Priority Services Register?

cashferret

Should my elderly mother get herself on this so that she'll be a priority if we have power cuts this winter, or is there a security risk in her basically listing herself as vulnerable?

Robin9

It won't help in the case of power cuts -  she will be affected the same as everyone else.

It can help if she has billing or metering issues and if just her supply fails while the rest of her Neighbours are still on


PS what can be more beneficial is a letter to the supplier authorising you to speak on her behalf.

CanNeverThinkOfAUsername

I'm on the PSR (Priority Services Register) due to mental health issues. The only change i have seen since i have been on it is when we have bad weather or a storm etc i get texts and emails from Northern Powergrid to give me updates etc. When we have had a long powercut they visit to make sure i am okay and if i need anything.

I would recommend going on it 100%.

in_my_wellies

Back in the 80s when there were power cuts a neighbour was on kidney dialysis. I'm not sure how the system worked but because of this the whole district was saved from the power cut. I'm not sure if the same would apply these days?

MalMonroe

I'm on the priority list, just because I'm of pension age. 

I don't see it's any more risky than being on any other list anywhere. I didn't have to divulge any private information.

It won't prevent any power cuts and I'm aware that we won't get preferential treatment but I have received texts in the past when we've had power cuts in the area. The texts are just basically to reassure and give us an idea when the power's coming back. Saves us having to phone anywhere.

Spoonie_Turtle

I don't know whether suppliers share their lists with the regional DNOs but the network operators have lists too and ask about specific medical needs.  It would be a good idea for her to be registered just in case they put any provisions in place before planned blackouts.

On the suppliers' PSRs at least they can also establish passwords for if any staff have to visit e.g. to read the meter, do any repair work, etc. if you feel that's something that might benefit her.

Apodemus

Definitely get her on the list.  She will then be a priority for checks and support in the case of extended unplanned outages.  In my experience, the companies are very protective of their lists and even in emergency situations are extremely reluctant to share this with other emergency providers such as Police or the NHS. 

cashferret

Thank you, everyone - that's very helpful info. My mother doesn't use a mobile phone so won't get texts but it will be good for her to be a priority for support if there are extended outages.

jbuchanangb

During a recent power cut Electricity North West certainly gave us good service, possibly because we are on the Priority Register due to being of pension age. I had left my wife on her own 20 minutes into the power cut, due to a prior commitment. ENW even phoned up a couple of time to keep her informed as to progress and check she was OK. The joke was, because I had unplugged the DECT base station from the landline, and plugged in a corded phone (as you do in a power cut), she couldn't work out what was ringing at first!