How to Top Up a Pay As You Go Gas Meter

Pay As You Go (PAYG) gas meters are straightforward to use and ideal for managing energy costs. Whether you’re moving into a new property or just need a refresher, follow these simple steps to top up your gas and keep everything running smoothly at home.

Step 1: Get Your Top-Up Card

When you move into a property with a PAYG meter, you’ll be supplied with a top-up card. This card allows you to load credit onto your meter by visiting participating shops or petrol stations.

🔍 Tip: Look for shops that display the PayPoint, Payzone, or Post Office symbol—they usually offer top-up services.

 

Step 2: Visit a Shop or Petrol Station to Add Credit

Take your top-up card to a local shop or petrol station that offers the service. Ask the cashier to top up your gas card with the desired amount—up to a maximum of £49 per transaction.

The credit will be loaded onto the chip in the card.

 

Step 3: Insert the Card into Your Meter

Once you’re back home, insert the topped-up card into your gas meter. Wait a moment for

it to register.

 

 

 

 

Step 4: Press the ‘D’ Button

After inserting the card, press the D button on the meter. This transfers the credit from the card into your meter’s balance.

🔧 Note: It may take a few seconds for the meter to update.

 

 

Step 5: Understand Emergency Credit

If you run out of gas and haven’t topped up, most PAYG meters provide an emergency allowance—usually 15 cubic meters of gas. This gives you a short-term buffer to get re-topped.

⛔ Warning: If you fully use up both your credit and emergency supply, your gas supply will stop, and your boiler may shut down.

 

Step 6: Reset the Meter and Boiler if Gas Runs Out

If your gas runs out completely:

• Top up your card and insert it into the meter as normal.
• You may need to reset the regulator, usually located near the meter.
• Finally, reset your boiler. This might take 2–3 attempts before it fires up properly.

🔥 Pro tip: If there’s a gas hob in the property, try lighting it first—this can help pull gas through the pipeline and make it easier to get everything flowing again.

 

Summary

✅ Top-Up Steps Recap:

1. Use your PAYG card at a shop or petrol station.
2. Load up to £49 onto the card.
3. Insert the card into the meter at home.
4. Press the D button to transfer credit.
5. Use emergency credit if needed.
6. Reset the system if the gas fully runs out.

By following these steps, you can keep your gas flowing without any unexpected cutoffs. PAYG meters are handy tools—just stay topped up, and you’re good to go!