Gas and electricity supply
We have a default supplier arrangement with a utility company for both gas and electricity supplies. This makes sure that supplies are available to do essential safety checks before you move in to your new home.
Before moving in, you must contact the default supplier to sign up for the continued supply of electricity and / or gas, and other utility companies for the supply of oil and water.
You are free to move to a supplier of your choice after 28 days.
Electricity and gas prepayment meters
Your home may have a prepayment meter for electricity and / or gas. This means that you have to pay for the electricity or gas that you use in advance. The meter may have been installed on behalf of a previous tenant.
Prepayment meters are often a more expensive way of paying for your electricity or gas. You may wish to discuss other meter options with your supplier.
- How does it work?
- What information will the meter tell me?
- Where can I top up my card or key?
- What happens if I cannot top up my card or token?
- What should I do if I want to replace my prepayment meter with a standard one?
How does it work?
First, you need to charge your prepayment key or card at any PayPoint outlet.
Once you have charged your key or card you just slot it into your meter, and the amount you have paid will be immediately credited. For added security, only your own key can be used in your prepayment meter.
What information will the meter tell me?
The meter will display all the information you need, such as:
- how much money is left on your meter
- how much energy you have used since the meter was fitted
- what the current meter reading is
Where can I top up my card or key?
Electricity (Powerkey) - You can charge your key at any PayPoint outlet, including newsagents, convenience stores and service stations, or wherever you see the distinctive yellow and purple sign.
Gascard / Quantum meter - Cards for your gas prepayment meter can be charged at PayPoint outlets, and at Post Offices.
What happens if I cannot top up my card or token?
If you cannot get to a charging outlet and you run out of electricity, you can use the emergency credit facility on your prepayment meter. When the credit on your meter is running low, you will hear a warning bleep. Simply insert your key / card to release the emergency credit.
An electricity prepayment meter will usually have enough emergency credit to cover three days normal electricity use, allowing time to recharge your key – however this will vary. Gas meters will also have a small amount of emergency credit.
You should use emergency credit only if it is absolutely necessary. For your safety, we advise you not to use up all your emergency credit. If you do, and your electricity goes off, make sure all your electrical equipment is switched off before you put your recharged key into your meter.
If you run out of credit on your gas meter make sure that you switch off all appliances and follow the instructions and prompts displayed on your gas meter. You will be charged for service or repair where you have allowed you gas supply to run out.
What should I do if I want to replace my prepayment meter with a standard one?
You should contact your electricity or gas supplier for further information as the conditions for replacement will vary.
Most suppliers will replace your prepayment meter and change your method of payment if you have been using the system for more than a year and you do not owe them any money. They will also insist on an alternative payment method such as direct debit.
Your supplier may insist on a cash deposit. This is refunded in full after you have made payments, on time, for over a year. They may also request a payment to cover the cost of removing the prepayment meter.
There may also be some circumstances where you can opt out of the prepayment system, for example if you have particular needs that mean that you are unable to use this type of meter. Contact your electricity or gas supplier for more information.