Is a prepayment meter for you?

Prepayment meters allow you to pay for your electricity in advance, ensuring that you have control over your energy consumption. Once your meter is installed, you receive a prepay key that needs to be topped up regularly to maintain a continuous supply of electricity. Each time you top up, you cover the cost of future electricity usage, any applicable standing charges, repayments toward any existing debt, and any emergency credit you’ve used. This system helps manage energy expenses effectively while avoiding unexpected bills.

Benefits of using a prepayment meter

1.

Budgeting

Using a prepayment makes it easier to budget for your electricity expenditure and keep track of what you are using.

2.

No debt

Prepayment meters help prevent your debt from increasing by allowing you to pay for electricity in advance.

3.

Build up credit

A prepayment meter allows you to build up credit in the summer months to reduce your expenditure over winter

Drawbacks of using a prepayment meter

  • 1. Top Ups

    You will have to frequently top up your meter, by either calling Truenergy or visiting your online portal to make a payment in order to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.

  • 2. Winter Purchasing

    You will need to purchase more electricity over the winter when your consumption is generally greater.

  • 3. Emergency Credit

    If you use your emergency credit this will have to be paid back as well as the other ongoing charges.

  • 5. Remain until debt cleared

    You will have to remain on a prepayment meter until your debt is paid off.

  • 6. Power Outages

    Power outages or system failures may temporarily prevent you from topping up your meter, which could disrupt your electricity supply.

Prepayment Meter FAQ's

  • How will my prepayment meter be fitted?

    A meter engineer will fit your prepayment meter at a scheduled appointment, confirmed in writing. The engineer will show ID and inspect your current meter before replacing it, turning off electricity briefly to do so.

  • What happens after the meter is fitted?

    You’ll receive a final bill for your previous meter and the amount of debt to be repaid. A prepay key will be sent to you, along with a list of local top-up outlets.

  • How do I use my prepayment key?

    Top up your key at an outlet, insert it into the meter, and wait until the display changes to show the credit added. Always check your receipt for 'Credit Accepted.'

  • What support can I expect from TruEnergy with a prepayment meter?

    We provide impartial advice, assist with faulty meters, reset meters after price changes, and send lists of top-up locations.

  • Can I remove my prepayment meter?

    To switch to a credit meter, your account must be debt-free, and you must demonstrate payment reliability, usually via direct debit.

  • What should I do in case of emergency credit use?

    Emergency credit is available for genuine emergencies and must be repaid with your next top-up. If depleted, your electricity will stop until sufficient funds are added.

  • What is self-disconnection?

    Self-disconnection occurs when your supply is cut due to insufficient top-up covering costs, debt, and standing charges. Notify TruEnergy if this happens for assistance.

  • What should I do if I lose my prepayment key?

    Contact Truenergy immediately for a replacement and ensure only your own key is used to top up, as others will not transfer credit.

  • What is required for regular meter checks?

    Provide access to your meter for routine readings and ensure it is not tampered with or damaged.

  • How can I manage my energy costs with a prepayment meter?

    Provide income and expenditure details to agree on a fair repayment rate. Top up regularly and use energy-saving advice from Truenergy.

  • Can Truenergy install a prepayment meter if I owe money?

    Yes, Truenergy may install a prepayment meter if there’s outstanding debt. We will inform you before doing so, and you can discuss options with us if needed.

  • What should I do if I plan to move out?

    Inform Truenergy when moving out to ensure your account is updated, and any final charges are addressed.

  • What are the conditions for removing a prepayment meter?

    A prepayment meter can only be removed if your account is debt-free, and you must demonstrate a commitment to pay by an alternative method, such as direct debit.

  • How do standing charges work during outages?

    Even when your electricity is off, standing charges still accrue and must be paid back with your next top-up.

  • What should I do if I'm facing financial hardship?

    Contact Truenergy for assistance if you’re struggling to manage your energy costs. We can discuss options to help support you.

  • What if someone in my household has special needs or health conditions?

    Inform Truenergy if anyone in your home has a long-term illness, disability, or is aged over 60, as special assistance may be available.

  • How do I use emergency credit responsibly?

    Emergency credit is available for genuine emergencies. If used, it must be repaid in addition to ongoing charges to maintain your electricity supply.

Telephone

0203 637 8137
Speak with your dedicated account manager.

Email

info@truenergy.co.uk
Contact our support team via email.

TruEnergy
Gable House, 239 Regents Park Road, London N3 3LF

Address

For independent advice there are a number of Helpline Agencies.

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