Back to the Help Centre
Pay As You GoPayments and topping up

Why do I have to top up my Pay As You Go meter when I’m not using energy?

You have to top up your meter even when you’re not using energy because you pay a daily standing charge. This covers the cost of supplying power to your home, which includes things like the maintenance of the wires and pipes that connect you to the grid.

Also, if you are repaying an outstanding balance on your Pay As You Go meter, your repayment amount is taken from your meter balance – even if you’re not using any energy.

Planning to be away from home? It’s important to top up enough to cover your daily standing charge and any balance repayments. This is to avoid running out of credit and losing power, while you’re away.

Managing your payments

Here are a few ways to take care of your payments: 

Build up credit for winter 

  • Come winter, we all spend more on energy. If you’re able to, top up a little extra and build up your credit over summer when you’re not using that much energy. It’ll give a buffer for the colder months.

Keep topping up, even when you aren't using a lot of energy  

  • Top up enough to cover your daily standing charge and any outstanding balance repayments in the months you’re not using energy. If you don't, there might be a debt to repay before you next use energy. 

Smart Pay As You Go meter 

  • If you don’t already have one, look into getting a smart Pay As You Go meter in your home. By allowing you to track your energy use, smart meters encourage you to make small changes to use less energy – helping you to save money.

Give us a call on 0330 175 9669 to get your smart meter installation booked in. We’re available Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm or 9am to 5pm on weekends.

Is Pay As You Go still right for me?

If you have a medical issue, young children living with you, or you need extra practical support managing your energy, Pay As You Go might not be right for you. If any of these apply, please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss other options. We’ve helped thousands of people in this situation and we can help you too.  

You can call us on 0330 175 9669, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm or 9am to 5pm on weekends. We’re here to help.

Explore our meter guides

Need more help with your meter? Check out our easy-to-follow guides on topping up, reconnecting your meter, activating emergency credit, and troubleshooting common issues. 

Find out more

Ask the OVO Forum

Can’t find an answer? Try asking our helpful OVO community.

Visit the OVO Forum

Still need help?

If you have a gas leak, power cut, or Pay As You Go emergency, get emergency help.

Useful links

Read our energy guides

Make a complaint

Report a security concern