Trystan Casey
If you have a prepayment electricity meter, you'll need to top up your electric key or card at a shop or Post Office branch. You can top up your electric key at any Payzone, PayPoint, or Post Office outlet. There are over 50,000 of these outlets across the UK, and 99% of people live within three miles of a Post Office branch or Payzone store. You can also top up your electric key at some PayPoint retailers. Some suppliers also offer prepayment top-up by text, app, phone, or online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to top up | Payzone, PayPoint, or Post Office outlets |
| Prepayment meters | |
| Smart Pay As You Go | |
| App, phone, or online | |
| Prepayment meter tariff | |
| Coin-operated meters | |
| What to do if you lose your key | Contact your supplier to get a new one sent out |
| Ask for a temporary card from your nearest PayPoint, PayZone, or Post Office | |
| What to do if you've used up your credit | Emergency credit for electricity is £5 |
| Emergency credit for gas is when you have less than £2 left | |
| You can be credited with £10 worth of gas in an emergency |
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What You'll Learn
Top-up locations: Payzone, PayPoint, or Post Office outlets
If you're on a pay-as-you-go gas or electricity meter, you can top up your electricity key at your nearest Payzone store. You can also get a new electricity key from Payzone retailers marked as SuperAgents on their Store Locator.
PayPoint stores also allow you to top up your electricity key. You can either insert your electricity key into the terminal or swipe your smart meter card and complete a normal top-up.
You can also top up your electricity key at any Post Office branch. There are 24,000 Post Office branches across the UK where you can pay your energy bill or top up your prepaid gas or electricity meter.
Additionally, you can top up your electricity key online, over the phone, or through the app, depending on your provider.
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Topping up via text, app, phone, or online
Topping up your electricity key online, via text, using an app, or over the phone is a convenient way to ensure you have a constant supply of electricity.
Topping Up Via Text
Some electricity suppliers allow you to top up by text. You will need to save their number in your contacts and text them the word 'top-up' or something similar. They will then respond asking for details such as the amount you want to top up and your payment details.
Topping Up Via App
You can also top up your electricity key using an app. For example, OVO Energy has an app that allows you to add credit anytime, anywhere. Simply download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and follow the instructions to add credit to your meter.
Topping Up Online
You can top up your electricity key online by logging into your account on the supplier's website. You will need to enter your username and password, choose the amount you want to top up, and provide your payment details.
Topping Up Over the Phone
It is also possible to top up your electricity key over the phone. For example, Power NI customers can call 03457 455 455 and choose option 1 for Keypad top-up. You will then need to enter your 19-digit Keypad Point Reference Number (KPRN) and follow the prompts to complete the top-up.
It is important to note that the specific steps and options for topping up your electricity key may vary depending on your supplier and your location. Be sure to check with your supplier to understand all the available options and instructions for topping up your electricity key.
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Using emergency credit
If you are an E.ON customer, you can use emergency credit for electricity if you have less than 50p credit. Simply insert your key into the meter and press the blue button. You can use it for gas if you have less than £2 left. In this case, put your card into the meter and press the red "A" button. Remember, you'll need to pay this back with your next top-up.
EDF Energy offers £6 of emergency credit on your electricity prepayment meter, giving you extra time to top up at the shop.
OVO Energy also provides emergency credit for its customers. You can find out more about activating emergency credit on their website.
In general, emergency credit is meant to be used in an emergency, such as when you have no money on hand or it's late at night and all the shops are closed. In such situations, you will be credited with £10 worth of gas or electricity.
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What to do if you lose your key
If you've lost your electricity key, there's no need to panic. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:
First, try to retrace your steps and search the areas where you last had your key. Check your pockets, bags, tables, floors, and even places you wouldn't usually put your keys. It's easy to misplace them, so a thorough search may be all you need to find your missing key.
If you've searched high and low and still can't find your key, it's time to contact your energy supplier. In the UK, you can top up your electricity key at the Post Office or Payzone stores, which offer services for various energy suppliers, including E.ON, British Gas, and Octopus Energy. You can visit their branches or call them to request a replacement key or card. Make sure to have your account details handy when you contact them.
Additionally, some suppliers provide emergency credit for electricity. For example, E.ON offers £30 credit when they install your meter, and OVO Energy provides emergency credit of £5 (soon to be updated to £10) for electricity if you have less than 50p credit. Remember that you'll need to pay this back with your next top-up.
If you have a smart meter or a modern keyless system, you may need to follow specific instructions provided by your supplier to replace your key or access emergency credit. Always refer to their website or contact their customer support for guidance.
To avoid future hassles, consider getting a spare key or taking preventive measures, such as using a key tracker or keeping your key in a designated place.
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How to activate a new key
If you're wondering how to activate a new electric key, you've come to the right place. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your new electric key up and running:
First things first, make sure you have received your new electric key. When you sign up for a new energy plan or move into a new home, your energy supplier will typically send you a new electric key within five days. Contact your energy supplier if you haven't received it within this timeframe.
Once you have your new electric key in hand, it's time to register it. This process can vary depending on your energy supplier, but it usually involves inserting the new key into your meter. Leave it for a couple of minutes or until you hear a beep. This step is crucial to ensure that your meter recognises your new key.
In some cases, you may need to take additional steps to activate your new electric key. For example, if you encounter an "Error A3", don't panic. This usually means that you removed the key too quickly. Simply pop it back into the meter, and it should work just fine. If you see an "Error 10", try cleaning the chip on your key with a dry cloth. This error often indicates that the key needs to be cleaned or that it's programmed for a different meter.
It's worth noting that you may not need a new electric key if you're switching energy suppliers. In some cases, you can continue using your current key, especially if it's for electricity. However, if you need a new key, your supplier will provide you with one and guide you through the activation process.
Lastly, remember to top up your new electric key to start using it for your energy needs. You can do this at various locations, including Post Office branches and Payzone stores, which are conveniently located across the UK. Some suppliers may also offer online top-up options. Always ensure you have credit on your meter to avoid temporary disconnection.
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Frequently asked questions
You can top up your electric key at any Payzone, PayPoint, or Post Office outlet.
Yes, many suppliers now offer top-up by text, app, phone, or online.
Yes, you can top up your electric key at any Payzone or PayPoint shops, as well as at the Post Office.
Yes, you can access these services at any Post Office branch and Payzone stores. Over 99% of UK residents live within three miles of a Post Office branch or Payzone store.
Yes, the Post Office offers top-up services for various electricity suppliers, including Avid Energy, British Gas, Corona Energy, E (Gas and Electricity) Ltd, E.ON, Airtricity SSE, and Budget Energy.
