Around four million households in the UK pay for their energy in advance using a prepaid meter, according to the energy regulator Ofgem. There are various types of pre-payment meters, including key meters, smart card meters and coin-operated meters - each of which accepts a different method of payment as part of a 'pay-as-you-go' system that requires users to pay for energy before using it.
For many households, the month ahead (April) marks the start of a higher rate being charged for users wishing to top up their meters. This has caused concern for people, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
Financial expert Martin Lewis previously suggested that for those who can pay in advance, it might be wise to bulk buy energy at the cheaper rate before the hike goes up. However a range of suppliers have since come forward and said that they will claim the money back if they find customers have bought a bulk of energy in advance.
