If you have a smart prepayment (pay as you go) meter, you can usually top up online or through your supplier's app, without going to a shop. Credit is sent to your meter remotely.

How many homes have smart meters?

At the end of June 2026, there were 42 million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses in Great Britain, making up 72% of all meters (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero). Of the smart meters, 92% were operating in smart mode, meaning they send readings to the supplier automatically.

How online top-ups work

• Ways to top up: suppliers' apps, online accounts and, with some suppliers, automatic top-ups when your balance gets low.

• Separate balances: gas and electricity usually have separate credit balances, but you can often top up both from the same app or account.

• When credit arrives: it's sent to the meter remotely and usually arrives within minutes.

• Topping up in person: you can still top up at shops with PayPoint or Payzone, or at the Post Office.

Prepayment prices

Since April 2024, prepayment customers pay the same standing charges as customers paying by Direct Debit. From 1 October to 31 December 2026, Ofgem's price cap for prepayment electricity (Great Britain average) is:

There's no VAT on electricity bills from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, and these rates already reflect that. Rates vary by region. See Ofgem's rates for your region.

If you're running low

Prepayment meters usually offer emergency credit, which you pay back the next time you top up. For example, British Gas and E.ON Next both offer £10 of emergency credit. Suppliers also have "friendly credit" periods when your supply won't be cut off even if your credit runs out. British Gas's, for example, cover 6pm to 9am on weekdays, plus weekends and bank holidays. If you're struggling to afford to top up, contact your supplier. It must consider your circumstances and may offer support. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice.

Suppliers offering online prepayment top-ups

When we checked suppliers' help pages in October 2026, these large suppliers let smart prepayment customers top up in their app or online account:

"Not mentioned" means the supplier's help page didn't list that option, not that it isn't available. Minimum and maximum top-up amounts vary. For example, British Gas has a £5 minimum online and a £49 maximum per top-up.

Other suppliers may also offer online top-ups. If you don't have a smart meter, you can ask your supplier whether one can be installed. Suppliers install them at no extra charge.