This is when you have a gas or electricity meter that works with a card. It is usually the most expensive way of paying.
Using a card meter
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
You top up the card at a local shop or garage or anywhere you see this Pay Point sign.
Top up
This is when you add more money to your fuel card. When you top up it means you can use it to buy more gas or electricity.
You give the person behind the counter your meter card and the money you want to spend. They put the card in a machine and add the number of units your money can buy.
Meter card
A card you can use to put into your gas or electricity meter to pay for your gas or electricity.
Units
Things like gas and electricity are measured in units. This showed how much you have used.
You take the card home and put it in the meter. The gas and electricity will go on working as long as there are units left.
Meter
A meter counts how many units of things like gas, electricity or water you have used so far.
Gas and electricity
Gas and electricity provide power to your home. They make things like the cooker, fridge, heating and hot water work. They also make things like kettles and TVs work.
Units
Things like gas and electricity are measured in units. This showed how much you have used.
You need to watch it carefully. If you let it run out completely, the gas or electricity will go off.
Gas and electricity
Gas and electricity provide power to your home. They make things like the cooker, fridge, heating and hot water work. They also make things like kettles and TVs work.
Be careful!
If you ever find you cannot pay for your gas or your electricity - get help right away. If you leave it too long, they will cut off your supply.
Gas and electricity
Gas and electricity provide power to your home. They make things like the cooker, fridge, heating and hot water work. They also make things like kettles and TVs work.
Gas and electricity
Gas and electricity provide power to your home. They make things like the cooker, fridge, heating and hot water work. They also make things like kettles and TVs work.
You should phone the gas and electricity company and tell them your problem.
Gas and electricity company
They are the companies who supply your home with gas and electricity.
Or talk to a family member or friend.
Or you could go to the Citizens Advice Bureau
Citizens Advice Bureau
They help people who have money worries. They also help people claim benefits they are entitled to.
If you use pay-as-you-go and you find you have no money to buy units, ask for help from a friend, relative or advocate straight away.
Pay as you go
Paying with a card that you can charge up by paying money at a shop or garage is usually the most expensive. This is sometimes called Pay-as-you-go.
Units
Things like gas and electricity are measured in units. This showed how much you have used.