Priority service register
A Priority Service Register (PSR) is a register that a vulnerable householder can sign up to as they may need extra help and care with their fuel bills. PSRs are managed individually by the fuel companies.
Householders may be eligible for free gas and electricity services and other benefits, if they are a domestic mains gas and electricity consumer and one or more of the following apply to them.
Of pensionable age
- Have a disability
- Have long term ill health
- Are blind or visually impaired
(Please note: These free services are not available to consumers of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG))
Eligible householders can choose from a selection of free services. Every gas and electricity supplier provides a range of free services, you can contact Consumer Direct to find out what services each supplier is able to offer. Typical services provided include some, or all of the following:
-
Password protection service. A unique password can be set up which will be used every time company staff visit their home.
-
Meter reading. If no one in the household is capable of reading a gas or electricity meter, the supplier can arrange for the meter to be read every quarter and for bills to be based on these readings.
-
Free meter moving service. If it is difficult to reach or read a meter the supplier will consider moving it to a more convenient position free of charge.
-
Free gas safety check (terms and conditions apply)
-
Advance notice if your electricity supply has to be interrupted. If the electricity supply needs to be turned off for planned work, extra notice will be given.
-
Special help if your gas supply is disrupted. If the gas supply needs to be turned off or disrupted for safety reasons, alternative cooking and heating facilities will be provided.
-
Special controls and adapters. Special controls which may help make gas and electricity controls easier to use can be fitted.
-
Bill nominee scheme. Copies of gas and electricity bills can be sent to a friend, relative or carers address for checking.
-
Services for visually impaired, or hearing consumers. Customers can access bills in Braille, larger print or on tape.
For further details a helpful leaflet is available from Consumer Focus or, you may want to contact your gas or electricity supplier direct and ask to join their Priority Service register. You can also call Consumer Focus on 08454 040506
Social Tariff
A social tariff is often the cheapest deal available from an energy company. It is offered by the energy companies to vulnerable people on certain disability allowances, benefits or tax credits and who are struggling to pay their fuel bill. Householders need to be in receipt of one or more of the following allowances, tax credits or benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, War Disablement Pension, Disablement Pension, Carers Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance
- Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Pension Credit
- Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance
The following are Energy companies known Social Tariffs:
- npower -First Step and Spreading Warmth
- Scottish Power -Carefree Plus
- EDF -Energy Assist
- E.ON/Powergen -Staywarm Social
Leeds Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) have released a booklet ‘Energy Best Deal. Worried about your gas or electricity bill? This booklet has been compiled by Leeds CAB and designed by NHS Leeds.
The booklet gives basic information about all the help available with fuel bills and energy efficiency improvements. It contains useful telephone numbers and websites how to find out more information or applying for grants, switching energy supplier and general energy advice.