HHZ Respiratory Review

Power cuts with home oxygen or CPAP in the UK (2026)

2 min read By HHZ Editorial Next review

If you depend on a concentrator, CPAP or other powered medical equipment, join the free Priority Services Register (PSR). Ofgem says your energy supplier and your network operator each keep one, so contact both. It gives priority support in an emergency and, wherever possible, advance notice of planned power cuts. It doesn't stop power cuts, so keep your NHS backup cylinder and know who to call.

A concentrator or CPAP stops when the power goes off. In the UK, the main protection is the Priority Services Register (PSR), plus a backup plan agreed with your NHS oxygen supplier.

The Priority Services Register

From Ofgem, read 14 October 2026:

  • Two registers. Your energy supplier (the company that bills you) and your network operator (the company responsible for the wires) each keep a PSR. Contact both directly.
  • Who can join. People who have reached state pension age. People with a disability or long-term medical condition, including those who use medical equipment that needs a power supply.
  • What you get:
    • priority support in an emergency
    • wherever possible, advance notice of scheduled power cuts
    • an identification and password scheme, so you know a caller or visitor is genuine

The PSR doesn’t guarantee your power stays on. It means you’re known and prioritised for help.

When NHS home oxygen starts, you sign a Home Oxygen Consent Form. Air Liquide’s prescriber guidance says it covers sharing your details with the oxygen supplier and other parties, including fire and rescue services and electricity distributors. Registering with your own supplier and network operator as well means you’re on both lists.

A power-cut plan

EquipmentPlan
NHS oxygen concentratorAsk your oxygen supplier what backup it provides, such as cylinders, and how to switch over. Suppliers run a 24-hour helpline: Air Liquide lists a 24-hour, 7-day call centre
Portable concentratorKeep batteries charged. Battery life depends on the setting. See portable concentrators
CPAPAsk your sleep clinic whether you can safely skip a night. For a battery option, check what the manufacturer supports for your model

Supplier phone numbers

From the NHS home oxygen page and Asthma + Lung UK:

SupplierNumber
Air Liquide (South West)0808 143 9999
Baywater Healthcare0800 373 580
BOC0800 136 603
Vivisol (North East and South East England)0800 917 9840
Dolby Vivisol (Scotland)0800 833 531

The verdict

Join both Priority Services Registers today. Agree a backup with your oxygen supplier. Keep the supplier’s 24-hour number by the concentrator.

Frequently asked questions

Who keeps the Priority Services Register?
Ofgem says both your energy supplier and your network operator (the company that runs the local wires) keep a Priority Services Register. Contact each directly.
Do I qualify for the PSR?
Ofgem lists people living with a disability or long-term medical condition, including those who need medical equipment that requires a power supply. People who have reached state pension age can also join.
Does my oxygen supplier tell the electricity company?
When you start NHS home oxygen, you sign a consent form. Air Liquide's guidance says it lets your details be shared with parties including electricity distributors. Registering yourself as well does no harm.

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