Prepayment meter users should top-up now to save money later

Prepayment meters still take daily standing charges, even during warmer months when you use less energy.

From April to June 2026, average prepayment standing charges are around 29p a day for gas and 57p a day for electricity, so credit can reduce even when heating is switched off.

Regular small top-ups through spring and summer can help you avoid debt building on the meter before colder weather returns.

As the weather gets warmer, many households naturally start using less gas and electricity. The heating goes on less often, hot water usage may drop and energy can feel like one less thing to worry about for a while.

If you use a prepayment meter, it’s still important to keep an eye on your balance. Even when you’re using very little energy, your meter may still take a daily standing charge. If there’s not enough credit on the meter to cover this, the amount can build up and be taken the next time you top up.

This is why the warmer months are a good time to get into a steady top-up routine. You may not need to add as much as you would in winter, but regular small payments can help stop your meter slipping into debt and make autumn easier to manage. 

Why topping up in summer matters

Standing charges are a daily cost for being connected to gas electricity. Ofgem explains that suppliers charge these costs each day, even if you do not use any energy. The amount you pay depends on your supplier, where you live and how you pay. 

For prepayment customers, average April to June 2026 standing charges are 29.09p a day for gas and 57.21p a day for electricity. 

That may not sound like much day-to-day, but over a month it can add up. If you have both gas and electricity on prepayment, standing charges alone could be around £26 over 30 days, before you actually use any energy.

Good habits for prepayment users

Check your meter regularly 

Try to check your meter regularly, especially before going away or switching your heating off for longer periods. This helps you spot whether credit is falling because of standing charges, debt repayments or emergency credit being recovered.

Build a regular top-up routine

Small, consistent top-ups can be easier to manage than waiting until the meter is empty. Setting a calendar reminder or linking top-ups to payday or benefit payment dates can make it part of your normal routine.

Understand where your credit is going

It’s also worth getting familiar with your meter. Your meter may show your credit balance, standing charge, debt repayments and emergency credit. Understanding this can help you see why a top-up might disappear faster than expected.

If you cannot afford to top up

If you are struggling, contact your supplier as soon as possible. Suppliers must offer support if you cannot afford to top up, including extra support credit in some situations, and they must work with you on a repayment plan you can afford. 

Citizens Advice also explains that you may be able to access friendly credit, emergency credit or additional support credit, depending on your meter and circumstances. Any temporary credit will usually need to be repaid, so ask your supplier how repayments will be taken and whether they can be made affordable. 

Get help from LEAP

If you’re worried about your prepayment meter, energy debt or topping up later in the year, LEAP can help.

A free LEAP advice call can help you understand your meter, bills and energy use, and check what support may be available. LEAP is available free of charge to eligible residents across England, Wales and Scotland. 

Apply online or call free on 0800 060 7567 in England and Wales, or 0800 029 4543 in Scotland.