Do you need power for medical reasons?

Your rights and protections if you rely on electricity for your health.

A child lying on a couch wearing a breathing mask connected to medical equipment.

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If you or someone at home relies on electricity to prevent serious harm to health (medically dependent), let your power company know. They must help you get registered as a medically dependent consumer.

Your electricity company cannot disconnect you if they know you or someone in your household is a medically dependent consumer. You are still required to pay your bills.

What does ‘medically dependent’ mean?

Being medically dependent means your health could be at risk without electricity – for example, if you use a ventilator or a dialysis machine.

Power cuts happen from time to time for many reasons. Even if you are medically dependent, a constant power supply cannot always be guaranteed. It’s vital you prepare for when the power goes out so you can remain safe and well. Make an emergency planExternal Link, opens in a new tab and share it with the people you rely on.

What rights do medically dependent consumers have?

If you or someone at home relies on electricity for medical reasons, let your power company know so they can help you register as a medically dependent consumer.

Your power company must not cut off your power if you or someone in your household is:

registered as a medically dependent consumer
in the process of applying to register as a medically dependent consumer, or
disputing a decision by a power company on medically dependent consumer status.

Remember: You’re still required to pay your bills.

How do I register as a medically dependent consumer?

Follow these steps to register with your power company:

Tell your power company about your need for electricity to support your medical condition or ask the account holder to tell them for you.
Get an emergency response plan templateExternal Link, opens in a new tab from your power company to ensure you are prepared if the power goes out.
If your power company requests confirmation of your medical dependency from a health practitioner (eg, your doctor), ask them to guide you through the process. They will be able to help you using this guideExternal Link, opens in a new tab.
Take the Confirmation of Medically Dependent Consumer Status formExternal Link, opens in a new tab and your emergency response planExternal Link, opens in a new tab to your doctor so they can sign the form and help you make your plan for power cuts.
Talk to your doctor about backup power for medical equipment.
Complete and submit Confirmation of Medically Dependent Consumer Status form to your power company.
Repeat these steps if you switch to a new power company.

Where can I turn for support and information?

Help is close by if you need it:

Your power company:
for forms, registration, and emergency planning.
Utilities DisputesExternal Link, opens in a new tab
for free, independent complaints resolution (0800 223 340).
MoneyTalks:External Link, opens in a new tab
free and confidential financial mentoring (0800 345 123).

If you believe your power company is not meeting its Consumer Care ObligationsExternal Link, opens in a new tab, the Electricity Authority can help with queries related to: