What's happening with prepayment meters?
The government has announced plans to provide additional financial support for energy customers with prepayment meters. If you have a prepayment meter, or are considering getting one installed, we're here to help you understand the upcoming changes with a quick breakdown of the latest news.
What is a prepayment meter?
Now, before we get started, let’s talk about what a prepayment meter (PPM) is. A prepayment meter is an energy meter where you pay for energy before you use it by topping up with a prepayment card or key. This type of meter is also known as a pay-as-you-go meter. Learn more about prepayment meters and how to top up your credit. Often, if you don’t have a PPM in your home, you will have a credit meter, this is where you pay for your energy after you use it. One of the most popular payment methods for credit meter customers is Direct Debit. Find out more about what Direct Debits are and how they are calculated.
The government to provide additional support for PPM customers.
The government is set to help 4 million households with prepayment meters save on their energy bills from 1 July 2023.* They are introducing a unit-rate discount to pay-as-you-go customers through the existing Energy Price Guarantee. The discount will cover the additional costs needed to manage PPMs. These costs are currently being passed on to prepayment customers through higher unit rates and standing charges when compared to Direct Debit customers. From 1 July until 30 September, this new unit-rate discount will only be applied to gas unit rates. The combined difference in unit rates and standing charges for electricity will be lower for PPM customers than for equivalent Direct Debit customers during this period, and so the discount will not be applied to electricity rates at this time. Non-prepayment customers will no longer receive support from the government’s EPG from 1 July, as the price cap will have fallen below the threshold and will once again determine energy prices. Learn more about how the 1 July changes will affect your energy bills. Keep up with the latest news about the Energy market in our blog.
Learn more on our help and support for prepayment meters.
Struggling to pay.
If you are struggling to pay your bills we are here to support you. From free debt advice from our partner StepChange, to grants from the E.ON Next Energy Fund that will help you pay your energy bills or replace essential appliances. Find out more about the support on offer and see if you are eligible for help with your energy bills.
Feel the Community power.
The E.ON Next Community is a space for customers just like you, sharing their experiences to offer a helping hand. Find support or suggest your own unique topics, plus get involved in discussions of all the latest news. Join the conversation now.