Breathing easier during power cuts: the importance of Priority Services

Many people with lung conditions rely on electricity every day, whether to power medical equipment, keep their home warm or stay connected to their support. When power is lost, breathing, comfort and safety can be affected, particularly for those whose symptoms are sensitive to cold, stress or disruption to treatment.

Extra support during a power cut matters

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service available across the UK that helps identify and support customers who may be at greater risk during a power cut. By registering in advance, people with lung conditions can receive tailored information, practical support and reassurance when power is disrupted.

Asthma + Lung UK and Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are working together to help more people with lung conditions access Priority Services support.

How SSEN supports people with lung conditions through Priority Services

SSEN maintains the electricity network for almost four million homes and businesses across Northern Scotland and Central Southern England. Through its Priority Services, SSEN provides tailored support to customers who need extra help during both planned and unplanned power cuts.

For people living with lung conditions, being registered can make a meaningful difference. Support may include:

• advance notice of planned power cuts
• priority updates during unplanned outages
• a personalised Power Cut Plan based on individual health needs
• access to a dedicated support line
• information in accessible formats, where needed.

By knowing customers’ needs in advance, teams at SSEN are better able to respond appropriately during an outage. This includes supporting people who rely on electrically powered medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines and nebulisers.

More than 1.1 million households are already registered for SSEN's Priority Services, showing how valuable this free, preventative support is. However, we know that many eligible households are still not signed up, meaning their needs may not be recognised during a power cut.

Why Priority Services are especially important for people with lung conditions

Power cuts can have a significant impact on people with lung conditions. Interruptions to treatment, cold weather and increased stress can all worsen lung condition symptoms and put people at risk of asthma attacks or flare‑ups of their condition, particularly during winter months.

Registering for Priority Services helps ensure these risks are understood in advance so electricity networks can provide appropriate support and communication if a power cut occurs.

SSEN’s wider commitment to vulnerable customers

SSEN has a long‑standing focus on supporting customers in vulnerable situations. Its most recent Annual Vulnerability Report confirms over one million households are now registered for Priority Services, the largest annual increase since the scheme began.

This reflects a shared understanding between SSEN and Asthma + Lung UK that electricity is an essential service, not a convenience, and that access to power can directly affect health, independence and wellbeing.

Priority Services Registers are available across the UK

While this article highlights SSEN's fantastic offer, Priority Services Registers are offered by electricity suppliers, electricity network operators, water and gas companies across the UK. Support is available no matter where you live.

If you or someone you know lives with a lung condition and may need extra support during a power cut, we encourage you to register.

If you live in Central Southern England or Northern Scotland (SSEN areas):

• Register online
• Call: 0800 294 3259

If you live elsewhere in the UK:
Visit www.thepsr.co.uk and enter your postcode to find your local Priority Services offer.

Preparation can make a real difference. Registering for free Priority Services helps ensure your needs are known in advance, so you’re not facing a power cut alone.