Switch to Smart Pay As You Go with British Gas
Join over half a million customers already on smart Pay As You Go with British Gas for a more flexible and convenient way to manage your energy at home.
What is a smart prepayment meter?
Also known as smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) this meter allows you to pay for your gas and electricity before you use it - just like a traditional prepayment meter.
The key differences are that smart meters provide more convenient ways to manage your prepayment top ups. You can top up online through our website or app, by phone and in-store using a digital smart card.
You can also view your usage and balance in real time through your smart energy monitor. And we’ll let you know when your meter balance is running low.
Benefits of smart meters for prepay customers
A smart prepayment meter, also known as a smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) meter, offers convenient ways to manage your energy:
Real-time usage
With a Smart Energy Monitor or in-home display (IHD), track your energy usage in real-time so you know when to turn down or switch off your home’s devices to make savings
Greater flexibility
Top up with credit as and when you want online, on our app, over the phone, or at any Payzone outlet or Post Office which you can find using our online store locator. You can also view all previous top ups online and get easy access to help and support.
Effortless future top-ups
Half-price electricity
Make the most of half-price electricity on Sundays between 11am and 4pm with PeakSave Sundays scheme and take part in PeakSave Green Flex events. We’ll credit your meter with the savings.
If you haven’t upgraded to a smart meter yet, ask us to install one after joining us.
Other services for Pay As You Go customers
Extra help from the Priority Services Register
If you're vulnerable or could be at risk if there’s a problem with your energy supply, join the Priority Services Register. It’s free and gives you helpful services like planned power cut warnings and free gas safety checks.
You can join our Priority Services Register if we supply your gas or electricity.
Warm Home Discount – Pay as You Go (PAYG) electricity
Warm Home Discount is a yearly payment of £150 towards electricity bills for eligible customers. It’s usually paid in March. If you’re entitled to the discount and have a Pay As You Go electric meter, we’ll send you a Post Office voucher, with instructions on how to collect the credit and add it to your meter.
Help with Smart Pay As You Go
Find everything you need to know about topping up your Smart Card, reconnecting your energy supply, emergency and friendly credit and using your Smart Energy Monitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Smart Pay As You Go meter
If you’re a British Gas customer with a traditional prepayment meter, we can install smart meters for free.
If you’re a British Gas customer with smart meters and you pay by direct debit, or cash/cheque but you want to switch to prepayment, you’ll need to contact us. Please be aware that your energy tariff may change.
If you’re currently with another supplier and have a traditional prepayment meter, you’ll need to join British Gas on Pay As You Go before we can install smart meters to avoid problems with switching your supply.
What’s the difference between a smart meter and a prepaid meter?
Smart meters automatically send meter readings to your energy supplier, so you don’t have to. They come with a Smart Energy Monitor also known as an in-home display (IHD) that shows you how much energy you’re using in real time. And they offer more flexible ways to pay for your energy.
Traditional prepayment meters require you to manually submit meters readings and top up a key or card at a designated store.
Can I still top up in the shop?
Yes, you can take your Smart Card to your nearest Post Office or Payzone store to pay for your top up in person.
What if I run out of credit on my prepaid smart meter?
Read our help with smart pay as you go page to access emergency and friendly credit.
What happens if I lose my smart card?
If you don't need a replacement Smart Card urgently, you can request one on our automated card request line. Just call 0333 200 7788 select option 3 and we'll send one within 3 working days.
As long as you have your 19-digit Smart Card number, you can even quote it at any Post Office or Payzone to top up until your new card arrives.