A pay-as-you-go (PAYG) meter works in a similar way to a PAYG mobile phone.
You add credit to your account before using energy, and your balance reduces as you use heating and hot water.
Your meter balance will also be used to cover any daily standing charges that apply to your account.
To avoid your supply being interrupted, it's important to top up before your balance reaches £0.
If you'd like to learn more about how your communal heating network works, please see our My bill says I'm on a District Supply Scheme - what does this mean? article.
Why do residents choose PAYG?
PAYG meters are designed to help you stay in control of your energy spending.
Some of the benefits include:
No unexpected bills
Because you top up your account in advance, you'll only use the credit you've already paid for. This helps avoid unexpected energy bills.
Stay in control
You decide when to top up and how much credit to add, giving you greater control over your energy budget.
Keep track of your spending
Your meter shows your remaining balance, making it easier to monitor your energy use and understand how much you're spending.
Avoid building up debt
As energy is paid for before it's used, there's no risk of charges building up over time without you noticing.
Plan ahead for winter
Many residents choose to build up extra credit during the wamer months to help cover higher energy usage during coler weather. You can do this by topping up the same amount each time you add credit, even in the summer months where you normally use less energy. This means you’ll have more credit built up in the winter.