Medical & vulnerable energy customers in Ireland

The short answer

People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, older people and people on a low income often get extra protection. You usually have to register or tell your supplier and grid operator.

📜 The rules in Ireland

Vulnerable and medical customers

Register free with your supplier: the Priority Services Register is for people critically dependent on electrically powered equipment (medical, life-protecting or assistive devices); the Special Services Register is for those vulnerable in winter because of age (66+ living alone or with minors/vulnerable people) or health.

Your supplier passes your details to ESB Networks. Registered customers get priority 24/7 support on 1800 372 999, advance notice and SMS alerts for planned outages, and an SMS if a fault will last overnight. (esbnetworks.ie)
Gas Networks Ireland contacts Special Services customers or their nominated contact before planned interruptions and can agree a security password with visually impaired customers. (gasnetworks.ie)
If you use powered medical equipment, keep devices charged and agree a back-up plan with your healthcare team. (esbnetworks.ie)

ESB NetworksPriority support for registered vulnerable customers during power cuts (register through your supplier).📞 1800 372 999 🔗 esbnetworks.ie

Gas Networks IrelandNotice of planned gas interruptions for Special Services customers (register through your gas supplier).🔗 gasnetworks.ie

Official source: cru.ie · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

Check who counts as vulnerableSee below who is protected in Ireland and what the protection covers.
Register or inform your supplierAsk your supplier and grid operator how to register. A doctor's certificate may be needed.
Plan for a power cutProtection against cut-offs for debt does not stop faults. Keep a backup plan for your equipment.
Keep your details up to dateTell your supplier when your situation changes, and renew any certificate in time.

📇 Who to contact

ESB NetworksPriority support for registered vulnerable customers during power cuts (register through your supplier).📞 1800 372 999 🔗 www.esbnetworks.ie/services/power-outages/vulnerable-customers

Gas Networks IrelandNotice of planned gas interruptions for Special Services customers (register through your gas supplier).🔗 www.gasnetworks.ie/about/contact/vulnerable-customers

CRU Customer Care Team (complaint resolution service)Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 1800 404 404 🔗 www.cru.ie/make-a-complaint

Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 1800 404 404 🔗 www.cru.ie

❓ Questions

Can I be cut off for debt if I am registered?

Many countries forbid or limit cut-offs for protected customers. The rules for Ireland are on this page.

Will I be warned before planned works?

Registered customers are often told about planned interruptions in advance. Ask your grid operator.

Is there help with the costs?

Many countries have a social tariff or support scheme. Ask your supplier and your municipality.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

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🩺 I depend on medical equipment or I am vulnerable: is there extra protection in Ireland?