Supporting those who need it most

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19th October 2023

Supporting those who need it most

SSE operates registers for customers with specific needs or vulnerabilities.

  • Priority Service Register: If you are, or someone in your house is, critically dependent on electrically powered equipment, you may avail of protections from being on this register.
  • Special Services register: If you have physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health needs, you may avail of protections from being on this register. If you are of advanced age, living with someone of advanced age, or with a minor, this register can also apply.

These registers are shared with ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland.

Vulnerable Customer services 

We’re aware that some of our customers may have special requirements where continuity of their energy supply is very important. Our Code of Practice on Vulnerable Customers outlines the services and protections we provide for customers with special requirements.

Did you know?

You can add a nominated contact to your account who can speak to us on your behalf. You can also have your communications sent to this person by post or email, if required.

Register Name

Priority Service Register

Special Service Register

Who is the register for?

A priority services register is in place for customers who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. This includes but is not limited to:

  • life protecting devices
  • assistive technologies to support independent living
  • medical equipment

A special services register is in place for customers who have vulnerabilities as a result of advanced age, physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health difficulties.

What do I need to do?

You can opt into our Priority Services register or add a nominated contact to your account, by emailing our Vulnerable Customer Team at IrelandCarelineTeam@sse.com.
If you do not have access to email, you can call 0818 40 40 70. Our Customer Service Team is available Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm.

You can opt in to our Special Services register or add a nominated contact to your account, by emailing our Vulnerable Customer Team at IrelandCarelineTeam@sse.com.
If you do not have access to email, you can call 0818 40 40 70. Our Customer Service Team is available Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm.

What happens next?

A paper form will be sent to your address in the next few days. Complete this form, have it signed by your doctor or GP and return it to us as soon as possible for us to register you.
Once we have verified that you are eligible we will;

  • Include you on our Priority Services Register
  • Share your details with ESB Networks ( for Electricity) and Gas Networks Ireland (for Gas) so they can also update their records.

Once you have called us to let us know your needs, you will be:

  • Included on our Special Services Register
  • We will share your details with ESB Networks (for Electricity) and Gas Networks Ireland (for Gas) so they can also update their records.
  • Send your bills and communication in either Braille or Large Print (if vision impairment was indicated.)

What benefits does this register provide to me?

As you are critically dependent on electricity or gas, you will be prioritised in a number of ways. You won’t be disconnected at any time except if  requested by you or for safety reasons.

If there are power outages, you will also receive priority service from ESB Networks or Gas Networks Ireland.

If there are any planned outages in your area, ESB Networks will contact you at least three days in advance to give you time to make alternative arrangements if you need to.

Your special services will depend on your vulnerability. All Special Services Register customers will not be disconnected during winter months for reasons of non-payment of bills except if it is requested by you or for safety.

Pay As You Go Meters

Pay-as-you-go meters are not recommended for customers with vulnerabilities as they may not be best suited to your needs. Furthermore, they are not available to customers who belong on the Priority Services Register. If you have a pay-as-you-go meter and become vulnerable, please contact our Customer Service team as soon as possible to discuss other options available to you.

Customer Support

We’re committed to working with our customers and supporting them when they need it most.

In 2022, SSE Airtricity was the first energy supplier to announce it would voluntarily forgo profits and established a customer support fund valued up to €25 million. The scheme includes a range of measures designed to support customers, experiencing significant challenges in dealing with the rising cost of living.


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