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Electricity & gas · the UK
Checked 2026-09-30

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

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 the UK

Vulnerable and medical customers

Great Britain: join the free Priority Services Register of your supplier and network operator if you have reached state pension age, are pregnant, have young children, a disability or a long-term condition. You get priority help in emergencies, advance notice of planned power cuts, and accessible bills.

  • Each supplier keeps its own register: if you switch, or have different gas and electricity suppliers, contact each one. (ofgem.gov.uk)
  • Northern Ireland: if you rely on medical equipment, join the free NIE Networks Customer Care Register for priority calls and at least 3 days' notice of planned power cuts. (nienetworks.co.uk)
NIE Networks Customer Care RegisterPriority register for customers with medical equipment (Northern Ireland)📞 03457 643 643🔗 nienetworks.co.uk
Official source: ofgem.gov.uk · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

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

📇 Who to contact

NIE Networks Customer Care RegisterPriority register for customers with medical equipment (Northern Ireland)📞 03457 643 643🔗 www.nienetworks.co.uk/help-advice/vulnerable-customers/medical-customer-care-register
Warm Home DiscountDiscount or support scheme for energy costsIf you have a low income or receive benefits🔗 www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme
Energy OmbudsmanSettles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 0330 440 1624🔗 www.energyombudsman.org
Ofgem (Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.ofgem.gov.uk
Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules🔗 www.uregni.gov.uk

❓ 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 the UK 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.

🔗 Also useful

💸Can’t pay the bill→🤝Help with energy costs→🔌Power cut→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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