With this type of meter you pay for the electricity as you use it. However the tariff rate set on your meter may not always exactly reflect the published tariff rate. In this instance the payments you make to top up the meter, will be compared to the amount due based on the published tariff rates, and any differences will be shown on your statement.
Prepayment tariffs are structured to contain a standing charge element. This ensures that all Prepayment customers will receive the same effective service, and the money you pay properly reflects the cost of supplying you.
The quarterly standing charge covers the fixed costs of providing the supply, e.g. the cost of linking the mains supply to your home, providing a meter, reading your meter, sending out and processing the bills. The standing charge is paid irrespective of the amount of electricity or gas you use.
Prepayment Electricity - Standard Rate, Domestic Tariff
The majority of customers who use most of their electricity during the day, and who do not in the main use electricity to heat their house and/or to produce hot water are likely to benefit from this tariff. Your bill is based on:
A standing charge
A unit charge for the units of electricity you have used
The price for a unit of electricity is the same whether you use it day or night.
One unit is 1 kilowatt of electricity or gas used for one hour (kWh).
Prepayment Electricity - Economy 7 Rate, Domestic Tariff
Customers with a two rate meter fitted, who use most of their electricity at night to heat their house and/or to produce hot water are likely to benefit from this tariff. The tariff has:
A standing charge
A higher unit charge for electricity used during the day
A much cheaper rate for units of electricity you use during a 7-hour period at night
One unit is 1 kilowatt of electricity or gas used for one hour (kWh).
The quarterly standing charge for Prepayment Economy 7 electricity is more expensive because a timeswitch or radio tele-switch is provided and because it has two registers instead of one.
Prepayment Gas
Your bill is based on:
A standing charge
A unit charge for the units of gas you have used
If you are served by an independent gas transporter's (IGT) network (i.e. not National Grid Gas) the standing charge will be charged at a slightly increased price. This is because it costs us more to supply gas to your home as, not only do we need to pay National Grid Gas for the use of some of their network, but we also have to pay the IGT.
One unit is 1 kilowatt of electricity or gas used for one hour (kWh).
You can also receive discounts, depending on your payment method.
