Prepayment meter (top-up meter)

pree-PAY-ment MEE-ter

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What it really means

A meter you must "top up" with money before you can use gas or electricity, using an app, card or key. If the credit runs out, the power stops. Energy usually costs more this way, so ask before renting if the property has one.

Chinese explanation

需要先充值才能用气用电的表，通过手机应用、充值卡或钥匙充值。余额用完就断电。这种方式的电价通常更贵，租房前要问清房子是否装了这种表。

Example conversation

A: The lights went off suddenly! B: It’s a prepayment meter — we need to top it up online.

A：灯突然灭了！ B：这是预付费电表——我们得上网充值。

What you could say back

“Can the meter be changed to a normal credit meter?”

Related phrases

Smart meter Meter readings Utilities

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

Go deeper

Council Tax Explained: What Newcomers Need to Know How Renting Works in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide UK Utility Bills: Setting Up Energy, Water, Broadband and the TV Licence

All Renting & Housing

Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake