
If you have a smart electricity meter, you can top it up in several ways, including using a card, a key at a local shop, or online. This is known as a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system, where customers pay for their electricity upfront before using it. With a smart PAYG meter, you can also use emergency credit if you have less than 50p credit for electricity or less than £2 for gas. To top up, you can either use the app or website, enter your account details, and submit your payment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Payment methods | Card, key at a local shop, online |
| Top-up process | Add credit before using electricity |
| Credit overview | Real-time overview of consumption and credit left |
| Low-balance alerts | Yes |
| Non-disconnection hours | Outside 10 am-4 pm, Monday to Friday |
| Emergency credit | Available for electricity if credit is less than 50p; press the blue button on the meter. For gas, if credit is less than £2, insert the card and press the red "A" button. |
| Top-up card | Not provided; a barcode is sent instead |
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What You'll Learn

Using a card, key or the EDF app
If you have a smart card, you can top up your electricity at any Payzone charging point. You can purchase the amount of credit you wish to put on the meter (there is a minimum of £5). You will then be given a receipt with a 20-digit payment confirmation code. If your meter does not top up automatically within an hour, you can enter this code manually.
To top up online, you will need your 19-digit smart card number and your email address. You can then enter the last 7 digits of the smart card number (the first 12 digits are pre-populated), the amount you wish to top up, and your card details. You will receive a confirmation email with a receipt to download.
If you are topping up with a smart Pay As You Go meter, you can use the Octopus app or your online account. Go to the 'Top up' section and choose how much you want to add to your meter. After your payment has been processed, you will receive an email and notification to confirm the top-up.
If you have an EDF PAYG account, you can top up using the barcode sent to you via post or email when your account was set up. You can also find the barcode in your EDF app. Take this barcode to your nearest PayPoint retailer.
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In-person at a PayPoint retailer
Topping up your electricity smart card in person at a PayPoint retailer is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Locate a PayPoint retailer:
Firstly, find your nearest PayPoint retailer. PayPoint retailers are usually conveniently located and can be found in various stores, supermarkets, newsagents, and garages across your region.
Prepare your top-up details:
Before visiting the retailer, ensure you have your top-up barcode ready. When you first set up your PAYG (Pay As You Go) account, you should have received a letter or email with this barcode. Alternatively, you can find the barcode in your energy provider's app or by requesting a new one through their customer support channels.
Visit the PayPoint retailer:
Once you've located a PayPoint retailer, simply walk into the store during their operating hours.
Initiate the top-up process:
At the retailer, inform the staff member that you wish to top up your electricity smart card. They will guide you through the process and may ask for your top-up barcode to initiate the transaction.
Complete the transaction:
Provide the necessary payment details to complete the top-up. You can pay using cash or other accepted payment methods at the retailer. After the payment is processed, your electricity smart card will be credited with the amount you have chosen to top up.
Update your meter:
After completing the transaction, remember to update your electricity meter with the new credit. This may involve inserting your card or key into the meter and following the instructions provided by your energy supplier.
Remember to keep your top-up barcode and payment details secure at all times. If you have any issues during the top-up process, you can always contact your energy provider's customer support team for assistance.
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Over the phone
Topping up your electricity smart card over the phone is a convenient way to ensure your supply of electricity is not interrupted. Here is a step-by-step guide to topping up over the phone:
Step 1: Contact the Provider
Firstly, you will need to call the customer service number of your electricity provider. Many providers offer 24/7 phone support, so you can top up at any time. Check your provider's website or app for the correct number to call.
Step 2: Provide Smart Card Details
When you connect with a customer service representative, you will need to provide your smart card details. This includes the 19-digit smart card number, which can be found on the card itself, usually below the barcode. Additionally, you may need to provide the six-digit meter number, which is also displayed on your meter.
Step 3: Specify Top-Up Amount
Inform the representative of the amount you wish to top up. There may be a minimum top-up amount, typically around £5, so ensure you meet this requirement. You may also need to provide your payment details, such as your card information, depending on the provider's process.
Step 4: Confirm Top-Up
Once the top-up process is complete, the representative will likely provide you with a confirmation code or receipt number. Make sure to keep this information safe, as it may be necessary for future reference or in case of any issues with the top-up.
Additional Tips:
- If you are topping up for a friend or relative, you can do so over the phone as long as you have their smart card number and meter number.
- Remember that topping up over the phone is just one option. You can also top up your electricity smart card online, through an app, or at various retail outlets, depending on your provider.
- Keep an eye on your meter balance and top up before your balance reaches £0 to avoid losing power.
By following these steps, you can conveniently top up your electricity smart card over the phone and maintain your electricity supply.
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Online
Topping up your electricity smart card online is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Access Your Account: Log in to your online account or use your energy provider's mobile app. Common apps include the Octopus App and the EDF app.
- Navigate to the Top-Up Section: Look for a section labelled "Top Up" or a similar variation. Here, you'll be able to manage your top-ups.
- Choose the Amount: Decide how much you want to add to your meter. Different providers may have minimum top-up amounts, so be sure to check this beforehand.
- Complete the Payment: Follow the prompts to make the payment. You may be able to use a payment card, or there might be an option to scan a barcode.
- Wait for Confirmation: After processing your payment, the provider will send the top-up to your meter. This usually happens quickly, within a few minutes. You will typically receive an email and notification confirming the successful top-up.
It's important to note that some providers may have specific requirements or steps, so always refer to their official instructions or contact their customer support for detailed guidance on topping up your electricity smart card online.
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Using emergency credit
If your electricity meter is running low on credit and you can't top up your key, you may need to use emergency credit until you can get to a top-up location. The emergency credit amount provided by your energy supplier will usually be up to £5, which must be paid off the next time you top up your credit. It's important to note that you must repay the emergency credit before you can use it again. The cost of emergency credit is the same as your usual electricity rate.
Different meters have different ways of activating emergency credit. Some providers automatically add emergency credit if your meter runs low on credit between 6 pm and 9 am, as most top-up locations are closed during this time. For other meters, there may be an "EmCr" button that you can press to activate emergency credit. If your meter has A and B buttons, press button B when 'EmCr' flashes on the screen, and the screen should then show 'EmCr Accepted'.
For a smart meter, you will need to activate emergency credit when your balance drops below £1 but before your credit runs out. You will see 'Emergency credit selected' on your screen, and once you start using it, the message will change to 'Emergency credit in use'.
If your gas supply is turned off, you will need to reconnect it when activating emergency credit. First, ensure that all gas appliances are switched off, then insert your top-up card into the meter and follow the directions displayed on your meter screen.
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Frequently asked questions
You can top up your electricity smart card in several ways, including using a card, a key at a local shop, or online (depending on your tariff).
To top up your electricity smart card online, open the app and tap "Top up your balance" for electricity. Then, enter the amount of credit you want to add and submit your payment.
Yes, you can use the emergency credit for electricity if you have less than 50p credit. Simply insert your key into the meter and press the blue button.
You will receive a letter or email with your barcode when your PAYG account is first set up. You can also find the barcode in your EDF app or request a new one by sending an email to the provider.













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