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Best answer by Blastoise186

Updated on 17/06/25 by Emmanuelle_OVO:
 

I’d like a Pay As You Go meter

 

A Pay As You Go meter is similar to a pay as you go phone contract – instead of paying a monthly bill, you’ll top up your meter as you use energy. Some people find this a more manageable way to keep on top of their usage.

 

Pay As You Go is a variable price, rather than a fixed contract which can mean can be more expensive than a pay monthly plan. We would give you plenty of warning if your prices are going to go up, but it’s worth bearing this in mind. The variable prices fall in line with the UK Government’s changes to the Variable Price Cap (VPC).

 

If you don’t want to go to the shops to top up, a pay as you go smart meter lets you top up online, or through the OVO Energy Top-up app (search in the Apple App store or Google Play). You do also have the option to top up in a designated shop, if you’d prefer. You can get a smart meter installed at no extra cost. 

 

If you’ve already got a Pay As You Go smart meter the following forum topics might be helpful to you:

 


Struggling with your energy bills? This topic should be helpful:
​​​​​​​ 

 

 

Hi @daisydog09,

 

Changing to Pay As You Go is a big commitment with a ton of risks, and I’d strongly recommend that you tread carefully as it may not be in your best interests to do that.

 

If you still want to go ahead, please talk to the Support Team on 0330 303 5063 and they can discuss it with you and help you to decide if it’s appropriate.

The team will complete an assessment first to make sure a change to Pay As You Go will be suitable. You can read a little more about the process here, and other help options available.

16 replies

Blastoise186
Super User
Blastoise186Super UserSolved
Super User
August 22, 2022

Updated on 17/06/25 by Emmanuelle_OVO:
 

I’d like a Pay As You Go meter

 

A Pay As You Go meter is similar to a pay as you go phone contract – instead of paying a monthly bill, you’ll top up your meter as you use energy. Some people find this a more manageable way to keep on top of their usage.

 

Pay As You Go is a variable price, rather than a fixed contract which can mean can be more expensive than a pay monthly plan. We would give you plenty of warning if your prices are going to go up, but it’s worth bearing this in mind. The variable prices fall in line with the UK Government’s changes to the Variable Price Cap (VPC).

 

If you don’t want to go to the shops to top up, a pay as you go smart meter lets you top up online, or through the OVO Energy Top-up app (search in the Apple App store or Google Play). You do also have the option to top up in a designated shop, if you’d prefer. You can get a smart meter installed at no extra cost. 

 

If you’ve already got a Pay As You Go smart meter the following forum topics might be helpful to you:

 


Struggling with your energy bills? This topic should be helpful:
​​​​​​​ 

 

 

Hi @daisydog09,

 

Changing to Pay As You Go is a big commitment with a ton of risks, and I’d strongly recommend that you tread carefully as it may not be in your best interests to do that.

 

If you still want to go ahead, please talk to the Support Team on 0330 303 5063 and they can discuss it with you and help you to decide if it’s appropriate.

The team will complete an assessment first to make sure a change to Pay As You Go will be suitable. You can read a little more about the process here, and other help options available.

Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
    H
    Newcomer
    Hewister
    Newcomer
    October 22, 2022

    Is there a charge to vet a prepayment meter fitted first time 

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    October 22, 2022

    Hi @Hewister ,

    I’m one of the forum volunteers.

    Just a couple of things to check as this helps us give the right advice.

    • What’s the reason you want to have a Prepayment Meter?
    • Does a meter of ANY kind already exist? If so, please provide photos
    • Do you have any kind of equipment that requires a constant supply, or any medical conditions? I don’t need to know what those medical conditions are, just if you have any!
    • Are you already on the Priority Services Register?

    Thanks!

    Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
    H
    Newcomer
    Hewister
    Newcomer
    October 22, 2022

    1 is no Bill's 

    2 no meter want one fitted 

    3 yes medical condition 

    4 yes on priority service 

    H
    Newcomer
    Hewister
    Newcomer
    October 22, 2022

    I want a prepayment fitted save not having a bill pay as you go wanna know is there a charge to be fitted 

    H
    Newcomer
    Hewister
    Newcomer
    October 22, 2022

    Ps I have a smart meter pay direct debit 

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    October 22, 2022

    Gotcha, thanks!

    Under these circumstances, I wouldn’t recommend a Prepayment Meter, nor a Smart Meter in Prepayment Mode.

    You’d be much safer with a Smart Meter in Credit Mode and either paying the bills via Fixed Direct Debit, or via Pay On-Demand. Prepayment Meters/Tariffs are rarely suitable for those with medical conditions.

    If you still want one anyway, it is free but I don’t think OVO or Boost will be keen to fit one given what you’ve told me.

    Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
    H
    Newcomer
    Hewister
    Newcomer
    October 22, 2022

    The machine takes about 9p for the night plus when the debt sorted which is I dispute at mo cos saying used 12536.664 kWh in three months or like said before jumped in day 

    My electric is 3.054 my gas is 8.654 for a year above is it I'm supplying  the whole of my street to be fair this reading jumped in a day thanks for you quick response 

     

    Blastoise186
    Super User
    Blastoise186Super User
    Super User
    October 22, 2022

    Can you show me a photo of that machine please?

    Securing energy by zapping security bugs... For that is The Blastoise Way! Remember, I'm just like you - AI Powered Evil Geniuses aren't Staff!
    H
    Newcomer
    Hewister
    Newcomer
    October 22, 2022

    On above is exact usage tells you smart meter for july to October but look saying used and total that why in dispute 

     

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