Interruption to gas supply? You’re eligible to register for priority services
Having a child under 5 living at home makes you eligible for the Priority Services Register (PSR) — a free scheme that gives you extra support if your gas supply is interrupted. Here's what it is, how to sign up, and what to do in a gas emergency.
What is the Priority Services Register?
The PSR is a free service run across England, Wales and Scotland. If you're on the register and your gas supply goes off, your energy network is obliged to prioritise your household and provide additional support while the problem is fixed.
Having a child under 5 qualifies you automatically. You only need to register once — your details are shared with all the companies involved in delivering energy to your home, with your consent.
How to register
Contact your gas network operator directly to sign up. You can find yours by visiting the Energy Networks Association website or checking your gas bill. Registration takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
What support can you get?
Once you're on the PSR, your network operator can provide:
- Alternative heating and cooking facilities while your supply is off
-
A password scheme so you can verify that engineers visiting your home are genuine
-
A Knock and Wait service, giving you extra time to get to the door
-
A nominated contact who can handle communications on your behalf
-
Information in alternative formats including large print, audio, Braille, or via an interpreter
Who else qualifies?
As well as households with children under 5, you may be eligible if you or someone in your home:
- Lives with a chronic medical condition, disability, or poor mobility
-
Uses medical equipment such as an oxygen concentrator
-
Has a sight or hearing impairment
-
Is of pensionable age
Carbon monoxide: what every parent needs to know
Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced when gas appliances don't burn fuel properly. It's colourless, odourless, and can be fatal — which is why it's sometimes called the silent killer.
Warning signs to look for:
- A gas flame that looks floppy or burns orange or yellow instead of blue
-
A pilot light that keeps going out
-
Soot or yellow-brown staining around an appliance
-
Excessive condensation near a gas appliance
Symptoms of CO poisoning can easily be mistaken for a virus or tiredness, but take them seriously if you notice headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, or sudden loss of consciousness — particularly if symptoms ease when you leave the house.
If you suspect a CO leak, get everyone out immediately and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
To stay safe:
- Have all gas appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer
-
Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm — they're inexpensive and widely available