Changing between Pay As You Go (prepay) and credit meters

We can easily change your meter from Pay As You Go (also known as prepay) to credit and vice versa.

Pay As You Go to Credit

If you’re changing from pay as you go to credit

• If you’re currently a Pay As You Go customer and looking for a different payment method to suit your lifestyle, consider switching to a credit meter. No need to top up anymore – instead, you’ll have monthly or quarterly bills.
• Depending on your meter type (smart/conventional), its location and configuration, we may need to send an engineer to change it over.
• If you have a conventional meter, we might need to send an engineer out to change the meter to smart, which is free. To arrange this, take a meter reading and get in touch with us via live chat.
• If you already have a smart meter, you can easily switch from Pay As You Go to credit by giving us a call. In most cases, we can do this remotely, but it might take up to a few days for your meter to switch to credit.
• When you change your meter to credit, new tariffs will be available to you. Read more about our tariffs here.

Will we need to run a credit check?

• If you’re changing your meter to credit, we’ll need to perform a credit check to make sure you’re eligible.
• For us to successfully run a credit check, you need to be an account holder, over 18 and have no outstanding debt on the meter. This means you shouldn’t have had more than £50 debt in the last 12 months.
• When you speak to us, we’ll discuss your circumstances and find the best option for you.

Will the credit check affect my credit rating

To make sure we are setting up the most appropriate payment terms for you, we use the information provided to us by credit reference agencies.

This means the credit check might leave a record on your credit file.

How long will the credit check take?

When you get in touch with us on live chat, it will only take a few minutes.

What happens if I pass the credit check?

We’ll tell you instantly if you pass and we’ll go on to set up your meter change.

What happens if I fail the credit check?

If you fail the credit check, it might affect your credit score. In this situation, you can request a meter change to credit after two months, but we recommend waiting at least six months before trying again.

We’ll also discuss other options with you to make sure you’re getting the best out of your meter. For example, if you have a conventional meter, you can switch to smart for free and top up your balance via the app or phone using Pay As You Go.

What are my payment options with a credit meter?

The easiest and best way to pay for energy when you switch to a credit meter is by setting up a Direct Debit. You can do this online.

There are other ways to pay for your energy usage. Read more about it here.

Credit to Pay As You Go

If you're changing from credit to Pay As You Go

• Pay As You Go is the best option for you if you want to be in control of how much and how often you pay for your energy. You can read more about Pay As You Go meters here:

If you’re a landlord

Make sure the account is in your name so that we’re able to do a credit check for you.

Once your tenants move in, we can assign the account in their name.

If you’ve just moved home

Please give it at least two days before requesting a meter change after you move home.

Need assistance Pay As You Go enquiries:

Our team members are available between

Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm
Sat: 9am - 2pm