raise_exception unhandled exception in PL/pgSQL — P0001

Symptoms

A PL/pgSQL RAISE EXCEPTION fired with a custom message and the default SQLSTATE P0001 (raise_exception). This is the errors-new counterpart of the generic RAISE page.

• A function deliberately raised an error.
• The message text comes from your code.
• Default SQLSTATE is P0001 unless overridden.

What the server log shows

ERROR:  Insufficient balance for account 4021
CONTEXT:  PL/pgSQL function transfer_funds(integer,numeric) line 12 at RAISE

Why PostgreSQL raises this — what the manual says

Section 41.9.1 Reporting Errors and Messages:

“EXCEPTION raises an error (which normally aborts the current transaction); the other levels only generate messages of different priority levels.”

PL/pgSQL’s RAISE EXCEPTION signals application errors. Without USING ERRCODE or a condition name, PostgreSQL reports the custom text under P0001.

Common causes

• A function executed a RAISE EXCEPTION branch (business-rule violation).
• A validation check intentionally failed.
• A library/extension raised a custom exception.

How to fix it

1. Read the message and CONTEXT to find the raising function/line.
2. Fix the input/state that triggered the rule, or adjust the rule.
3. Assign a specific SQLSTATE via RAISE … USING ERRCODE so callers can branch on it.

Related & next steps

• SQLSTATE P0001 — Raise Exception (full reference)
• Message: RAISE EXCEPTION (generic)
• Glossary: PL/pgSQL

Reference: PostgreSQL 18 Section 43.9 “Errors and Messages”.