Medically dependent customers
A medically dependent person is someone whose health relies on a stable electricity supply to power essential medical equipment. For these individuals, a power outage could result in serious injury or even life-threatening consequences.
If you are a medically dependent customer, your doctor or specialist will provide you with a notice confirming your status. This should be passed on to your electricity retailer as soon as possible to ensure you are registered as a “medically dependent customer” on their records.
For more information about medically dependent status, please contact your electricity retailer.
Changing electricity retailers
If you decide to change to a different electricity retailer, remember to inform your new retailer about your medically dependent status. They won’t be aware of your needs unless you tell them.
Power cuts and emergency preparedness
Power outages can occur for various reasons. Even if you are medically dependent, a continuous electricity supply cannot be guaranteed.
It is your responsibility to have a no-power plan if the power goes out. Work with your health practitioner to develop a plan that will provide you with instructions on how to stay safe and well if the electricity supply is interrupted. For some hints and tips to help in a power outage visit our no-power planning page.
No power? What to do
You will be advised by your retailer in advance of any planned outages. Unplanned outages can happen at any time. If you are a medically dependent customer you should have a no-power plan.
Medically dependent customer FAQs
If you can’t find the answers you need, please get in touch with our team.
If you or someone in your household is medically dependent on electricity to prevent serious harm to health, you should get confirmation of this from a health practitioner such as your GP.
Then, you must register as a “medically dependent customer” with your electricity company.
If you move home or switch to a different electricity retailer, you need to check with your electricity retailer that you are still registered as a medically dependent customer.
- Follow your emergency response plan if the power cut puts you at risk of harm.
- Notify your electricity company immediately so they are aware you do not have an electricity supply.
- In a medical emergency, call 111.
Your electricity retailer will be able to provide some more information about the process. You will need evidence from your health practitioner to be registered as a medically dependent customer.
We’re here to help
If you need some assistance or advice, please get in touch with our team.
