Prepayment Meters for Home Energy in the UK
Understand how prepayment (pay as you go) gas and electricity meters work, how to top up, compare costs and learn how to switch if a different option suits your home better.
What Is a Prepayment Meter?
A prepayment meter is a type of gas or electricity meter that you top up in advance, usually with a key, card, token or smart device. Instead of paying for the energy you have already used by Direct Debit or on a bill, you pay as you go. When your credit runs low, you need to top up to keep your supply running.
Prepayment meters are common in homes that want tighter control over energy spending, tenants in rented properties and households that may have had problems with unpaid energy bills in the past. They are available for both gas and electricity and can now be installed as smart prepayment meters with online and app top-ups.
Key benefits at a glance
- Only pay for the energy you use in advance
- Easy to see remaining credit and daily usage
- Helps some households budget more effectively
- Emergency credit available on most meters
- No surprise end-of-month bills
Check Home Prepayment Options
See if you could move to a better tariff, switch from prepayment to credit, or upgrade to a smart prepayment meter.
How Do Prepayment Meters Work?
Prepayment meters measure how much gas or electricity your home uses, just like a standard credit meter, but they also keep track of the money you have loaded onto them. Each time you top up, the meter adds that credit, and your usage is deducted as you use energy.
Step-by-step: from top-up to energy use
- Top up your key, card or app – Use a PayPoint or Payzone outlet, Post Office, your supplier's app or an online account, depending on your meter type.
- Load credit onto the meter – Insert the key or card in the meter, or if you have a smart prepayment meter your top-up is usually sent automatically.
- Energy is used from your balance – As you use gas or electricity, the meter deducts the cost from your available credit at your current tariff rates.
- Standing charges are also deducted – Most tariffs include a daily standing charge, which is taken from your credit even if you do not use any energy.
- Emergency credit kicks in (if needed) – If your balance gets low, many meters let you access a small amount of emergency credit to keep you on supply for a short period.
If your credit runs out and you do not use emergency credit or friendly hours, your gas or electricity will eventually switch off. You will usually need to top up again and sometimes press a button on the meter to restore supply.
Types of Home Prepayment Meters
There are several types of prepayment meters in UK homes. How you top up and manage your account depends on the technology your supplier has installed.
Standard key or card prepayment meters
Traditional prepayment meters use a physical key, card or token:
- Electricity key or card – You top up at PayPoint / Payzone outlets or Post Offices and then insert the key or card into your electricity meter.
- Gas card – You top up in the same way and insert the card into a gas meter, often located in a cupboard or outside meter box.
- Token meters – Less common now. You buy paper or plastic tokens with a code that you enter into the meter.
Smart prepayment meters
Smart prepayment meters combine pay-as-you-go control with modern smart meter technology:
- Top up from home using an app, online account or phone payment.
- Credit is sent to your meter automatically – no need to visit a shop every time.
- In-home displays show your balance, usage and cost in near real-time.
- Some suppliers let you easily switch between prepayment and credit modes.
Many households find smart prepayment meters more convenient, especially during bad weather, mobility issues or if top-up outlets are not close by.
Pros and Cons of Prepayment Meters
Advantages
- Budget control – You decide how much to top up and when.
- No large catch-up bills – Less risk of bill shock if your meter is read infrequently.
- Helps manage debt – Some suppliers use prepayment to gradually repay existing energy debt alongside ongoing usage.
- Visible usage – You can clearly see how everyday habits affect your credit.
Disadvantages
- Potentially higher costs – Historically, some prepayment tariffs have been more expensive than comparable credit tariffs.
- Risk of self-disconnection – If you cannot top up, your supply may stop, which can be particularly difficult in cold weather or for vulnerable households.
- Less convenient top-ups – With older meters you must visit a shop whenever you run out of credit.
- Standing charges still apply – Daily charges continue even if you are not at home, using up credit when the property is empty.
Costs, Tariffs and Standing Charges
Your prepayment meter uses an energy tariff that sets how much you pay for each unit of gas or electricity, plus any daily standing charges. These rates vary by supplier, region, meter type and whether you are on a standard variable tariff or a fixed deal.
Prepayment tariffs vs credit tariffs
Ofgem rules aim to protect prepayment customers, but in some cases prepayment tariffs can still work out more expensive than paying by fixed Direct Debit. If you have a good payment history and no outstanding debt, you may be able to switch to a standard credit meter or to a different supplier to access cheaper tariffs.
Always check:
- Your current price per kWh for gas and electricity
- Your daily standing charge
- Any debt recovery amounts taken from each top-up
- Exit fees for fixed-term tariffs (if you are considering switching)
Energy debt and repayment through prepayment
If you owe money to your energy supplier, they may agree to recover this through your prepayment meter instead of asking for a one-off payment. A set amount is taken from each top-up to gradually reduce your balance. If the repayments feel unaffordable, speak to your supplier as soon as possible – they must work with you to set a realistic plan and signpost you to support if you are in financial difficulty.
How to Top Up Your Prepayment Meter
The exact top-up process depends on whether you have a traditional prepayment meter or a smart prepayment meter. Your supplier should provide simple instructions when the meter is installed.
Topping up a traditional key or card meter
- Take your key or card to a PayPoint, Payzone outlet or Post Office that offers energy top-ups.
- Tell the cashier how much you want to add and pay with cash or card.
- Check the receipt to confirm the top-up amount.
- Insert the key or card into your meter at home until the new credit is transferred.
Topping up a smart prepayment meter
- Open your supplier's app or log into your online account.
- Select the meter you want to top up (gas, electricity or both).
- Choose a top-up amount and pay securely by card, direct debit or other available method.
- Your credit is usually added to the meter automatically within a few minutes.
If your meter is not receiving credit or you lose your key or card, contact your supplier straight away. They can usually issue a temporary code or replacement device so you can stay on supply.
Emergency credit, friendly hours and disconnection
Most prepayment meters offer:
- Emergency credit – A small amount added when your balance is low. You will need to repay this next time you top up.
- Friendly hours – Some meters will not disconnect during the night, weekends or bank holidays, even if your credit runs out.
- Non-disconnection for vulnerable customers – Suppliers must take extra care when dealing with older people, those with disabilities or long-term medical conditions.
Check your meter display or user guide to see how emergency credit and friendly hours work in your home.
Struggling to top up?
If you are finding it difficult to keep your meter in credit, contact your supplier. They may be able to offer extra support, payment plans or hardship schemes, and can point you towards independent debt advice.
Switching to a Prepayment Meter
Some households choose to move from a standard credit meter to a prepayment meter for extra control over their energy budget. Others may be offered a prepayment meter by their supplier if they fall behind on bills and cannot agree a different way to repay debt.
Can I ask for a prepayment meter?
Yes, many suppliers will install a prepayment meter on request for home energy customers, subject to technical checks. You will usually need:
- Access to the meter for the engineer
- A suitable location for the meter that is safe and practical
- To agree to any changes in tariff or charges before installation
Check whether there are any installation fees, how you will top up, and what tariffs are available before deciding.
Can my supplier force a prepayment meter on me?
Suppliers must follow strict Ofgem rules before installing prepayment meters to recover debt. They must consider your circumstances, check whether anyone in your home is vulnerable and explore other options first. If you feel a prepayment meter is not safe or practical for your household, you should tell your supplier and seek independent advice.
Switching Away from Prepayment
If prepayment no longer suits your home, you may be able to move to a standard credit meter and pay by monthly Direct Debit or on receipt of a bill.
When can I switch from prepayment?
Your options depend on:
- Whether you owe money to your current supplier
- Your past payment history
- Technical suitability of your existing meter
- Any fixed-term contract conditions
A supplier may run a credit check and ask you to clear or reduce any outstanding balance before changing your meter type. Some may also charge a meter exchange fee, although many do this for free.
Switching suppliers with a prepayment meter
You can often switch to a different supplier even if you have a prepayment meter, as long as you meet certain conditions (for example, your debt is below agreed limits and you have not failed to repay previously). A new supplier might offer better tariffs or a smart prepayment meter with more flexible top-ups.
Smart Prepayment Meters and In-Home Displays
Smart prepayment meters are gradually replacing many older key and card meters across the UK. They send readings to your supplier automatically and can make it easier to stay in control of your spending.
Benefits of smart prepayment
- Top up anytime from your sofa via app, web or phone
- Real-time information on your balance and usage
- No more lost keys or cards
- Automatic meter readings – no need for manual visits
- Some suppliers allow quick switching between prepay and credit modes
Your in-home display (IHD) can show:
- Current balance for gas and electricity
- Usage for today, this week or this month
- Cost per hour based on what is currently switched on
- Warnings when your credit is low
If your IHD is not working, has gone missing or is difficult to read, contact your supplier. They may be able to reconnect it or offer a replacement, especially if someone in your home is vulnerable.
Prepayment Meters in Rented Homes
Many tenants live in properties with prepayment meters already installed. If you rent your home, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Can I change the meter if I am renting?
In most cases, you have the right to choose your energy supplier. However, changing the meter type (for example, from prepayment to credit) may require your landlord's permission because it alters the property. Always:
- Check your tenancy agreement for clauses about energy supply and meter changes
- Get written consent from your landlord before arranging any meter exchange
- Make sure you understand what will happen when you move out
If your landlord pays the energy bills and charges you as part of the rent or a separate arrangement, the situation is slightly different. You should discuss any concerns about the meter or tariffs directly with them.
Support for Vulnerable and Low-Income Households
Energy suppliers and the UK government offer several schemes to support households who may struggle with energy costs, including those using prepayment meters.
- Warm Home Discount – A one-off discount for eligible low-income households and pensioners during the colder months.
- Winter Fuel Payment – A payment for most people born before a certain date to help with winter bills.
- Cold Weather Payments – Extra payments for some benefits claimants during extended periods of very cold weather.
- Priority Services Register – Free support from your supplier and network operator for older people, disabled customers and those with long-term health conditions.
If you use a prepayment meter and are worried about keeping your home warm and well-lit, contact your supplier and ask about these schemes and any company-specific hardship funds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepayment Meters
It depends on your tariff and how you use energy. Some households find they use less energy because they can see their credit going down, which can reduce total costs. However, prepayment tariffs have sometimes been more expensive than comparable credit tariffs. Always compare your current rate with alternatives before deciding.
If your credit runs out and your meter has used any emergency credit, your supply can disconnect even if you are away. Appliances such as fridges and freezers may turn off. Smart prepayment meters sometimes allow remote top-ups if you notice the problem while you are out. With older meters, you will usually need to return home and top up in person.
You may still be able to switch if your debt is below a certain level and has arisen in the last few years, under Ofgem's rules for prepayment customers. The new supplier may agree to take on the debt and collect repayments through your meter. If your debt is larger or older, you may need to work with your current supplier to reduce it before switching.
Responsibility for topping up and managing the meter normally lies with whoever is named on the energy account – this could be an individual tenant, joint tenants or the landlord. Always confirm who the account holder is, who should be topping up and how costs are shared among housemates.
If you suspect your meter is faulty, is difficult to read or is in an unsafe or inaccessible position, report this to your supplier straight away. They can test the meter, move it to a more suitable location in some cases, or replace it with a smart meter. If you or someone in your home is vulnerable, highlight this so they can prioritise your case.
Find the Right Option for Your Home
Whether you want to stay on prepayment, upgrade to a smart meter or explore moving to a standard credit tariff, it starts with understanding your options.
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