Think of a pre-payment gas meter as a little bit like a pay as you go mobile phone. In order to ‘top up’ your energy you must pay for your gas up front, using tokens, a key or a card that can be purchased from selected newsagents, post offices and other designated pay points.
Many landlords choose to implement a pre-payment system in their rental properties in order to protect themselves from the risk of tenant arrears. In some cases, pre-payment meters are installed by energy suppliers as a result of outstanding debts.
When you pay for your gas up front it makes it easier for you to manage your spending and keep track of your budget, and you won’t end up with any unexpected bills.
Many suppliers charge above average rates for energy on a pre-pay meter, and you may not have access to the best tariffs on the market.
You will also need to keep an eye on your meter to ensure that you don’t run out of gas while you’re in the middle of cooking a roast! Your nearest top-up point won’t necessarily be that local, so obtaining more credit could be a hassle.
Provided you are not in debt to your energy supplier it is often possible to switch from a pre-payment to a standard gas meter. While this may incur an initial charge, it can give you greater flexibility to take advantage of the best possible energy rates and could save you money in the long term.
Here at 1Gas we provide a wide range of gas meter installations and other services, and we are always happy to offer advice to our customers. So if you’d like to find out more about the pros and cons of different types of gas meter, call us on 0800 644 0688 and we will be glad to talk through your options.
