Millions forced to cut off their own energy supply
More than a million consumers have cut off their own gas or electricity supply in the last year by not topping up their prepayment energy meter.
Prepayment meter customers pay for energy in advance
Almost half of those who cut themselves off did so during winter, when people most need to keep warm.
And 57% of those cut themselves off said not having enough money was one of the reasons why they didn’t top up their meter.
Prepayment meters are poor value
Although some people like the control over their budget that a prepayment energy meter gives them, meters provide poor value for money.
Prepayment meters are usually the most expensive way to pay for gas or electricity - the cheapest tariffs are typically online credit accounts which are paid by Direct Debit.
If you currently have a prepayment meter installed in your home and would like to switch to a more competitive online energy tariff, you will need to get a credit meter installed first.
Use our switch and compare tool to discover how much you could save by switching to a cheaper gas or electricity tariff.
Make topping up convenient
Consumer Focus, which carried out the research into prepayment meters, wants energy companies to give consumers the option of topping up online, at a cash machine or by text message.
Around one in seven who cut themselves off were unable to top up their energy as the place they buy credit was shut or they couldn’t get there.
Consumer Focus also wants energy to be more affordable for vulnerable households, and for people to be given more help with cutting their energy use.
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