Prices and tariffs · Bills

Prepayment meters: costs, credit and changing payment method

With a prepayment meter you pay for energy before you use it. Ofgem's rules give you specific protections, including emergency credit and limits on when a meter can be fitted without your agreement.

Updated 2 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team

Check

What to check first

Your rates. Default prepayment tariffs are covered by the price cap. Compare your unit rate and standing charge with the current cap rates.
Standing charges still apply every day, even when you are not using energy, and can build up as debt if you do not top up.
Emergency and friendly-hours credit. Ofgem's rules require suppliers to offer emergency credit and friendly-hours credit, unless it is not technically possible.
Debt recovery. If the meter recovers debt, check how much is taken from each top-up.

Your protections

From 8 November 2023, suppliers must follow stricter rules before installing a prepayment meter without the household's agreement.
Involuntary installations are not allowed for the highest-risk households, including those needing a continuous supply for health reasons, homes where everyone is 75 or over with no other support, and homes with children under 2.
If you are clear of debt and want to move to a credit meter, your supplier must agree if you pass any credit check it needs.

Practical next steps

If you are struggling to top up, contact your supplier straight away and ask about emergency credit, payment plans and hardship funds.
Check whether you qualify for help paying energy bills.
If you want a credit meter, ask your supplier what it needs from you.
If you think a meter was installed wrongly, complain to the supplier and get advice from Citizens Advice.

Take care

Important limitations

Rules in Northern Ireland, where keypad meters are common, are different.
A move to a credit meter changes the tariff you pay; compare before you switch.

Related tools and guides

Sources

Official sources checked 2 October 2026.