From 1 January 2024, a Priority Services Register (PSR) registration made with a water company flows automatically to energy networks and suppliers, so a separate energy registration is not needed. The change is set out in guidance published by Cadent Gas, the gas distribution network, which states that households registering with their water company after that date do not have to register again1.
The PSR is a free cross industry register covering energy and water, and Cadent says all participating companies have signed up to the PSR Promise1. Registration is intended for people with access, communication, health or safety needs, and Cadent lists eligibility grounds including reliance on medical equipment that needs electricity or water, refrigerated medicines, children under five at home, serious or chronic illness, disability, pensionable age, sight or hearing loss, a reduced sense of smell, language or communication needs, and short term needs after a life change such as recovery from hospital or bereavement1. More detail on who qualifies is set out in the site's guide to who is eligible for the Priority Services Register.
The practical effect of the January 2024 change is that one registration now covers both utilities. Cadent states that a household registered only with its water company before 1 January 2024 should complete the network's registration form so that details are current and shared across water and energy1. Dual fuel customers, meaning those with one company supplying both electricity and gas, need to register only once, while households with two separate suppliers are advised by Cadent to register with both1. Registration does not need to be renewed annually, though Cadent suggests telling a new supplier or network operator after a change of supplier or a move1.
"No you do not have to register again. Your PSR registration data will flow to the energy networks and suppliers."
Cadent says it shares registration information with the local Electricity Distribution Network Operator, which then registers it and passes it to energy suppliers and the water provider1. It states that it relies on Substantial Public Interest rather than explicit consent as the basis for registration, and that details are never used for general marketing1. In a multi property incident, details may also be shared with trusted charities such as the British Red Cross, alongside local authorities and emergency services1.
| Registration route | What Cadent says happens |
|---|---|
| Water company, on or after 1 January 2024 | Data flows to energy networks and suppliers; no second registration needed1 |
| Water company only, before 1 January 2024 | Complete the network's registration form to update details and share data across water and energy1 |
| One supplier for both fuels | Register once1 |
| Separate gas and electricity suppliers | Register with both1 |
Why it matters for households
The register determines who gets advance notice of planned works, priority support and information during a gas, power or water interruption, alternative heating and cooking facilities if the gas supply is cut during network works, and emergency power or water during prolonged interruptions for those using medical equipment1. Other provisions include a password facility for doorstep callers, a nominated contact who can handle bills or act during a power cut, communication in formats such as large print, audio CD, braille or other languages, and relocation of a gas emergency control valve that cannot be reached because of poor mobility1. Cadent states that customers known to have electrically dependent medical equipment or life threatening illnesses are likely to be prioritised in order of contact and provision of services1. For a household, being on the register is the mechanism by which a network knows in advance that an interruption carries extra risk, which is central to maintaining energy independence at home during an outage. The site's Priority Services Register guide explains what the register provides, and there is separate guidance on joining the Priority Services Register and on the equivalent Customer Care Register in Northern Ireland.
What happens next
No further dated steps are given. Cadent advises that households inform a new supplier or network operator after moving or switching supplier so that registration is set up on the new system1. It has not been reported whether other networks or water companies have issued equivalent guidance on the 1 January 2024 change.
Sources1 cited
- Priority Services Register (PSR) - Cadent Gas Ltd, cadentgas.com