Energy Advice During Covid19 Outbreak

25th March 2020

If you have a pre-payment meter you are encouraged to try to keep at least 14 days' worth of credit on your meter(s) in case you need to self isolate.

You should contact your electricity/gas supplier straightaway if for any reason you can't top up your meter. This includes if you are ill with coronavirus or following guidance to stay at home and self-isolate, and if you don't have anyone to help you. Your supplier will discuss with you what options there are to offer you support.

Support may include:

• someone being sent to top up your prepayment card or token

• having funds added to your meter credit

• having a preloaded gas or electricity card sent to you in the post

Prepayment customers

How can I top up my prepayment meter if I am self-isolating?

You should tell your supplier straightaway if you can’t top up your meter. This includes if you are ill with coronavirus or following guidance to stay at home and self-isolate, and if you don’t have anyone to help you.

The government has launched an emergency package with energy suppliers to ensure you don’t face any additional hardships in heating or lighting your home during the coronavirus outbreak. Customers with prepayment meters who are self-isolating or unable to leave their home can now speak to their supplier on the options.

This may include:

• someone being sent to top up your prepayment card or token

• having funds added to your meter credit

• having a preloaded gas or electricity card sent to you in the post.

No credit meters will be disconnected during the outbreak.

Suppliers must tell you:

• what customer service support is available, particularly if you are vulnerable

• how you are supported if you can’t top up or could go off supply

If your meter is outside, it may be helpful for you to leave your meter box unlocked if it's safe to do so, and if you need someone else to top it up. You may also want to arrange for a trusted person to take your top-up card to the shop if needed.

If your local top up shop closes, Paypoint.com and Payzone.co.uk list alternative vendors online, and the Post Office also provide top ups for some suppliers. Your supplier can also help.

If you have a non-urgent question for your energy supplier, please first check their online and mobile advice if you are able to. Most are regularly updating supporting service information and frequently asked questions relating to the coronavirus national emergency through these channels, as well as via contact centres. This will help ensure the most vulnerable can get through to contact centres to get the help they need.

If you are a smart meter customer, you should be able to top-up remotely, such as by phone, mobile application or online.

Citizens Advice has published more detailed online advice for prepayment customers. You can also their helpline on 0808 223 1133. Calls are free. If you feel overwhelmed, or are unable to deal with your supplier on your own because of personal circumstances, the helpline may also be able to refer you to the Citizens Advice Extra Help Unit. Learn more at: https://ehu.org.uk.

Some key supplier contacts:

SSE - 0345 600 2006

EON - 0345 303 3040

British Gas - 0330 100 0303

EDF - 0333 200 5110

Scottish Power - 0800 027 0072

Robin Hood Energy - 0800 030 4567