How Does a PAYG Electricity Meter Work Day to Day?

Once a PAYG meter is installed, your supplier gives you a way to add credit - through their app, website, by SMS, or at a Payzone outlet - and the meter deducts your usage from that balance in real time. When your credit runs low, the meter warns you with a sound, and most suppliers offer emergency credit so you are not left without power while you top up.

For current pricing and to see which supplier is cheapest, see our full guide to prepaid electricity prices in Ireland.

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Which Suppliers Offer a PAYG Meter?

PAYG meters are available from Ireland's dedicated prepay electricity suppliers, each with slightly different top-up methods and technology. PrepayPower is currently the only one of the three that also offers a PAYG gas plan. For a full breakdown of current rates and which supplier is cheapest, see our prepaid electricity price comparison.

Should I Use a Pay As You Go Meter?

Pros

  • Reduce energy usage and budget more easily;
  • No meter readings needed;
  • No large bi-monthly bills;
  • Access to emergency credit;
  • More manageable debt repayment.

Cons

  • Higher standing charges and an extra PAYG service charge;
  • Hard to switch back after debt;
  • Manual code entry for updates;
  • Moving between homes is more complicated;
  • Not available if household members depend on electrically powered medical equipment.

Alternatives to Pay As You Go Electricity

  • Nightsaver Tariffs: significantly cheaper night-time rates (typically 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.);
  • Level Payment Plans: equal monthly payments removing bill shock;
  • Smart Meter Time of Use Tariffs: three rates (peak, off-peak, day) allowing savings by avoiding peak-time usage.

How Do I Top Up My Pay As You Go Electricity Meter?

  1. Via SMS;
  2. Your energy supplier's app;
  3. Your provider's online portal;
  4. At any Payzone point.

The minimum top-up amount is €10, and the maximum is €100. To get a meter reading, press number nine on the keypad.

What Happens If I Move House With a PAYG Meter?

Contact your supplier before you move to arrange a final reading and request any remaining credit be refunded. If your new home already has a PAYG meter, your supplier can usually set up your account on it directly; if not, you can ask to have one installed, or switch to a standard billed plan instead. See our guide on switching electricity and gas provider for the full process.

Need More Help With Your PAYG Meter?

The following guides cover specific situations in more detail:

Frequently Asked Questions About Pay as You Go Electricity Meters

You can top up via SMS, your energy supplier's app, your provider's online portal, or at any Payzone point. The minimum top-up is €10 and the maximum is €100. Press number nine on the keypad to get a meter reading.

PAYG meters are available from Ireland's dedicated prepay electricity suppliers. PrepayPower is currently the only one that also offers a PAYG gas plan. For current pricing and which supplier is cheapest, see our prepaid electricity price comparison.

Your meter will warn you with a sound when your credit runs low. Most suppliers offer emergency credit so you are not left without power while you top up - this amount is then deducted from your next top-up.

Nightsaver tariffs offer cheaper night-time rates, level payment plans provide equal monthly payments, and smart meter time-of-use tariffs offer three rates (peak, off-peak, day) allowing savings by avoiding peak times.

Contact your supplier before you move to arrange a final reading and request any remaining credit be refunded. Your new home may already have a PAYG meter your supplier can set you up on, or you can request an installation or switch to a standard billed plan.

Further Reading