Tips for first-time prepayment smart meter users:
A beginner's guide

1. Understanding your energy meter 

It is important to know how your meter works.

A prepayment smart meter is like using a prepaid mobile phone in that you pay in advance for the energy you consume. As you consume gas and electricity, your credit will reduce until it runs low and you need to top-up again. We always recommend topping-up before your credit runs out otherwise you risk going off supply. This is very effective for people who may want to manage their budget more effectively as there are no surprise bills

2. Efficiently using the in-home display (IHD) for alerts and notifications

One of the best features of the prepayment smart meter is the in-home display (IHD).
It provides easy accessibility for near real-time energy monitoring, checking remaining credit and the rate at which you are consuming your energy. It can also alert you when your credit is running low so you know to top-up. 
You can use the IHD to check for periods of high energy usage to see where you may be able to save energy and in turn, save money. 

You are also able to set a budget so you can really monitor your energy usage.

3. Ways to top-up your prepayment smart meter 

There are many ways you can top-up your prepayment smart meter. The easiest is usually via a mobile app or website. 

If you don’t have access to the internet or you just prefer an alternative means, you can top-up over the phone, via SMS or at a local PayPoint, Payzone or Post Office.

4. Emergency credit

If you are new to prepayment smart meters then you should know about Emergency Credit. 

So, what is it? It is just that, it’s there to use in an emergency when you’ve run out of credit and for whatever reason, you’re not able to top-up straight away. Most suppliers will give you access to between £10 - £15 Emergency Credit. 

How do you activate Emergency Credit? 

Your prepayment smart meter will alert you when your credit is running low. If you need to activate your Emergency Credit, then you can either do this by following the prompts on your IHD or on the actual energy meter. Either way it is simple and straightforward to do, however if you do need further support, you will also find more information in the user guide. 

It is important to know that any Emergency Credit you use will need to be repaid in full the next time you top-up. 

5. Seeking assistance from your energy supplier

Always look at your suppliers website, they will have a FAQ section and other information that may help resolve your query.

If you still need help, email them or call them. 

6. Check updates for your prepayment smart meter

To make sure your smart prepayment meter is always working efficiently, you should ensure you follow guidance for updates and/or maintenance of both your smart meter and its designated mobile app. It can include security updates, latest optimisation downloads for better management or updates to increase performance.

It is recommended to check your meter regularly for signs of damage, error messages or cleanliness. If you notice any damage, you should report this to your supplier without delay. If you receive any error codes, refer to your user guide.

7. Saving energy

Use your IHD or mobile app to spot trends in your usage and see where you may be able to save energy and in turn, save money. 

From setting up a smart prepayment meter to savings 

Being informed before using a smart prepayment meter is the key, not only for the optimal functionality of your energy meter but also for better energy usage. If you understand how to operate your smart meter, utlise it, interpret its data correctly, you can achieve better control over energy costs.

Getting started on your prepayment smart meter with these tips will help you optimise your energy consumption and lower your energy costs.