There are four different methods of payment available:

Quarterly

Someone from the company will come round and read your meter, you then pay for what has been used. If the company makes estimates, ask for someone to actually come and read the meter, as estimates are higher than reality.

Monthly

Paying via monthly instalments, usually by direct debit, is the option most likely to offer some kind of discount.  Companies are benefiting because (in general) you won’t default, and any overpayment which you pay will gather interest for them, before being refunded at the end of the year.

Pay point

This method is when the utility company sends the customer a kind of charge card, and when the bill comes in you simply take the card to be paid. It is a useful tool for customers who have run up big bills and can’t pay their debt all at once.

Meters

This is a “pay as you go” method and enables customers to pay before use. There are two downsides to this method of payment – it is the most expensive form of utility supply (it often costs to have the meter installed and the utility cost has the highest mark-up). Secondly, it is very easy to disconnect yourself by forgetting to top up your card.

If you can’t pay

Paying your electricity or gas is a priority but if you do find yourself unable to pay contact your supplier who may be able to offer some kind of payment scheme, or allow you to switch to a metered system of payment.

If you can’t pay and don’t contact your supplier, they will send a reminder notices demanding payment within a short time frame. If you ignore these, you will receive a “Final Notice” demanding payment in 7 days or legal proceedings against you will commence.