Trystan Casey
If you live in Northern Ireland, you could save money on your electricity bill by switching suppliers, billing methods, or tariffs. There are five electricity firms in Northern Ireland, and you can compare the latest energy deals using price comparison tools such as Power to Switch, Uswitch, and the Consumer Council's Switching Tool. When switching suppliers, you don't need to contact your existing supplier, and there will be no interruption to your electricity supply. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel for free if you change your mind.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason to switch energy supplier | To find a cheaper deal than the one you are currently on |
| How to switch | Use a price comparison tool such as Uswitch, Power to Switch, or the Consumer Council's Switching Tool to compare electricity and gas tariffs for Northern Ireland suppliers. Once you've found a deal you like, confirm your move and the new supplier will take care of the rest. |
| Cooling-off period | You have 10 working days to change your mind and cancel your switch. |
| Contracts and exit fees | You will be a contract-free customer with Power NI, which means no additional exit fees. |
| Security deposits | Many suppliers in Northern Ireland charge security deposits ranging from £125 to £150 for customers with credit meters who don't want to pay by Direct Debit. |
| Tariffs | Tariffs featuring electricity generated from renewable sources are widely available. Time-of-use tariffs such as Economy 7 offer cheaper night-time rates than daytime rates. |
| Payment methods | Paying by Direct Debit and managing your account online can result in significant savings. Monthly Direct Debit customers with Power NI can get a discount of up to £10 per quarter. |
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What You'll Learn
Compare energy deals
Comparing energy deals can help you find a cheaper option and save you money. There are several websites that allow you to compare energy deals in Northern Ireland, such as Uswitch, Power to Switch, and the Consumer Council. These sites offer a full market comparison, allowing you to filter deals by various factors such as plan type, rate type, payment method, and green energy options.
When comparing energy deals, it's important to consider not only the price but also the plan type. You can choose between dual fuel deals, which combine gas and electricity, or electricity-only deals. In some cases, it may be cheaper to have separate deals for gas and electricity rather than a dual fuel deal. Additionally, you can choose between fixed or variable rate plans. Fixed plans offer price certainty, with rates remaining the same during the fixed period, while variable plans may change throughout the year.
Another factor to consider when comparing deals is the payment method. Paying by Direct Debit and managing your account online can often result in significant savings. Some suppliers may also offer discounts and cashback deals, so it's worth exploring these options. If you're on a credit meter, be aware that some suppliers may charge a security deposit if you choose not to pay by Direct Debit.
When deciding to switch energy suppliers, it's important to have a recent bill, letter, or email on hand, as this will contain most of the information you need. You don't need to contact your existing supplier, as your new supplier will take care of this for you. The switch process is typically quick and hassle-free, and you'll have a cooling-off period of up to 14 days to cancel if you change your mind.
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Switching supplier
If you live in Northern Ireland, you may be able to save money by switching electricity suppliers. There are five electricity firms supplying households in Northern Ireland, and you can use a price comparison tool to see if you can find a better deal.
You can compare the latest energy deals and switch to a new supplier with Power to Switch, Northern Ireland's number one home energy site. You can also use the Consumer Council's price comparison tool to make sure you're getting the best deal. The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland is an independent organisation with a legal responsibility to protect consumers' interests. Uswitch is another site that allows you to compare energy deals and filter by factors other than price, such as green energy.
Before you switch, it's helpful to have a recent bill, letter, email, or your Keypad annual statement, as this will contain most of the information you need. You may also need your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number) or KPRN (Keypad Point Reference Number).
Once you've found a new supplier, you'll need to call them to switch your account. You don't need to contact your existing supplier, as your new supplier will take care of this for you. The switch should be completed within a few weeks, with no interruption to your supply.
You'll then have a 14-day cooling-off period (or 10 working days, according to some sources) to cancel your switch if you change your mind.
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Tariffs and billing methods
Northern Ireland's electricity market has five or six suppliers, depending on the source, offering a range of tariffs, deals, and offers to choose from. Each supplier provides a choice of tariffs, so it's essential to pick the one that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Tariffs refer to the amount of money you pay per unit of electricity used. Suppliers offer different tariffs, and while energy costs are currently high in Northern Ireland, there is some variation between suppliers. You can use a price comparison tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.
There are various billing methods available in Northern Ireland, and changing your billing method can result in significant savings. The billing methods available include:
- Pay As You Go (PAYG): This involves having a pre-payment meter in your home that you top up online or at a shop.
- Direct Debit: A monthly amount is deducted from your account by your provider. Some suppliers offer discounts for customers who pay by Direct Debit and manage their accounts online.
- Quarterly bill: You receive a bill by email or post every three months and pay upon receipt, either online or by phone.
- Credit meter: You pay for your electricity in arrears. Many suppliers charge security deposits, typically ranging from £125 to £150, for customers with credit meters who don't pay by Direct Debit.
You can change your billing method by contacting your current supplier or doing it through their website. It's important to note that changing your billing method may result in losing certain discounts associated with specific payment methods.
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Green energy
Northern Ireland has six electricity companies, and switching suppliers can help you save money. When choosing a new electricity supplier, you may want to consider green energy providers.
Power NI, Northern Ireland's leading energy provider, has expanded its renewable offerings for customers with solar panel installation services. They also provide information on how to be more energy efficient in your home, as well as guides to understanding renewable energy and electric vehicles.
Another green energy supplier is 3T Power, a Northern Irish renewable electricity provider that generates 100% of its energy in Northern Ireland, for Northern Ireland businesses. They use wind, waves, sun, and waste to deliver sustainable renewable energy. 3T Power offers fixed and flex tariff plans to provide environmentally friendly electricity at budget-friendly prices.
When switching to green energy, you can use the Consumer Council's Switching Tool to compare electricity and gas tariffs for Northern Ireland suppliers. You can also use Switcher.ie's simple comparison tool to guide you through the switch and help you save on your energy bills.
Remember, when you have decided on a new energy supplier, you will need to call the provider to switch your account, and they will handle the switch with your old supplier.
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Security deposits
For example, Electric Ireland, one of the electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland, requires a security deposit of £135 for customers who choose not to pay by direct debit. This deposit is refunded after 12 months if all accounts have been paid on time and in full. However, if a customer has a previous history with Electric Ireland and has consistently paid their bills on time, they may be exempt from paying the security deposit when they return.
SSE Airtricity, another electricity supplier in Northern Ireland, has a different approach to security deposits for business customers. Their security deposit is based on three months of average usage for the business premises. They may request electricity bills from the previous supplier to calculate this accurately. If the site was previously vacant or there has been a change of use, they will use the typical consumption profile for the industry and apply a formula to determine the security deposit.
It is important to note that not all electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland require security deposits. When choosing an electricity supplier, it is recommended to compare different suppliers' offers, deals, and payment options to find the best option that suits your needs. Additionally, if you are on a low income and unable to afford a security deposit, you can check with your local INTREO office to see if you are eligible for any financial assistance or support.
If you are currently with Electric Ireland, it is important to note that they have announced plans to stop supplying electricity to households in Northern Ireland in the future. While no specific date has been set, they have stated that they will guide their customers through the switching process, prioritising those in vulnerable circumstances. This means that you will need to switch to a new electricity supplier, and you may want to consider their security deposit requirements as part of your decision-making process.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a price comparison tool such as Uswitch, Power to Switch, or the Consumer Council's Switching Tool to find a better deal. Once you've found a new supplier, you'll need to call them to switch your account. You don't need to contact your current supplier, as your new supplier will take care of this for you.
It is helpful to have a recent bill, letter, email, or your Keypad annual statement, as this will contain most of the information you need. If you pay by bill, you will also need your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number), which can be found on a recent letter or bill. If you are a Keypad pay-as-you-go customer, you will need your KPRN (Keypad Point Reference Number), which can be found on your Keypad top-up card.
The switch can be completed in a few minutes online, and your new account should be fully set up within a few weeks. There will be no interruption to your supply during this time.
Yes, you have a 14-day cooling-off period (or 10 working days, according to another source) to cancel your switch.
