Using Pay As You Go (PAYG) Meters
What is a Pay As You Go meter?
Pay As You Go (PAYG) meters let you pay for your gas as and when you use it.
The benefits to you
PAYG has two main benefits. You can use it to help you budget, as it lets you pay for your gas on a more regular basis. PAYG also avoids the risk of disconnection.
Please remember that you use more gas in the winter than summer. Allow for this extra cost when you budget for your gas consumption.
Free installation
If you are a new customer, we currently install ‘First Fix’ PAYG meters free of charge. If you are an existing customer, we can change your standard credit meter to a PAYG free of charge. Subsequent alterations are subject to conditions.
PayPoint Outlets
You can buy credit for your PAYG meter at PayPoint outlets. You can find these at garages and convenience stores throughout Northern Ireland. Contact us on 0845 900 5253 for a list of PayPoint outlets. Once you know your nearest PayPoint outlet, check and confirm its opening times.
Tariff changes
If the tariff we charge changes, we adjust remotely by a message sent directly to your PAYG meter.
Meter information
It is important to be familiar with the information on your PAYG meter. You can see how much credit you last put into the meter, the amount of credit you have before emergency credit will be offered, or the maximum repayment of debt you can pay in a week. We can give detailed information about your PAYG meter and how to access information. Contact our customer service team on 08454 55 55 55 to find out more.
There are two types of PAYG meter, Libra and Quantum.
Libra PAYG meter
When you have a Libra PAYG meter installed, a 'Payeasy' card will also be supplied. Your 'Payeasy' card is unique to your meter. It will not operate in any other meter. If you do lose your 'Payeasy' card, you can purchase a new one at any PayPoint outlet. You will be charged for this.
Buying credit
Take your 'Payeasy' gas card along with your cash, to any PayPoint outlet. The minimum credit you can purchase is £5. Every time you make a payment, you must ensure that you keep the receipt, as this is your proof of purchase. PAYG lets you check your gas usage and top up the card when you decide.
Credit Reserve
If your Libra meter is displaying between 30 - 15 units, you can avoid your gas supply switching off by releasing your 'credit reserve facility'. To do this insert card, press and hold red button 'A' for 5 seconds until you hear a beep.
Release button and remove card. You must then purchase more credit immediately.
Quantum PAYG meter
When you have a Quantum meter fitted, we will send you a new Quantum gas card. You should receive this within five working days. If you move into a new property, contact us and we will send you a new card. This card belongs to you.
You must not lend it to anyone else. You must never use anyone else’s card.
Buying credit
Make sure you look after your Quantum gas card, as you will be charged for a replacement. If you lose your card, or damage it, please contact us immediately on 08454 55 55 55.
You can credit your card with the amount you choose. When you receive your new Quantum gas card, please insert it into the meter for at least 60 seconds. You should then buy credit for the first time from your local PayPoint outlet.
Quantum Emergency credit
Sometimes you may run out of credit at an inconvenient time. Quantum offers ‘Emergency Credit’ if you have used all the gas you have paid for. You can borrow an amount of gas until you can buy some more credit.
Quantum has £2 emergency credit. Make sure you buy more credit as soon as possible. You should not use emergency credit regularly. Remember, emergency credit is automatically repaid when you next top up gas credit. You must pay
back the emergency credit owed before you can borrow emergency credit again. You can see how much emergency credit you have used and how much you still owe by checking your meter. Contact us if you are not sure how to do this.
Changing to PAYG because of payment difficulties
If you have a credit meter and are experiencing difficulties, we can arrange to have a PAYG Quantum meter installed. This is set to collect an agreed amount and pay for the gas you continue to use. Contact us immediately if your circumstances change. We will try to make suitable arrangements with you.