Ways to pay for electricity

The supplier takes the bill from your bank account automatically, usually every month or every two months. Most of the cheapest plans need direct debit, and many add a discount for it. If you cancel the direct debit, the supplier can move you to a dearer rate.

You get a bill and pay it yourself, by card, bank transfer, cheque or cash (for example at a post office or shop with a bill-pay service). Fewer plans offer this, and those that do are often dearer than the same supplier's direct debit plans.

You top up credit in advance, by app, online or in a shop, and use it as you go. It helps you keep track of spending, but prepay plans usually cost more, and some carry an extra yearly charge on top of the standing charge. On a smart meter prepay works without a separate meter.

The yearly cost we show for a prepay plan includes its extra prepay charge. Before you switch, check on the supplier's site that the plan lets you pay the way you want to. Read more on how we calculate costs.