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Cheap Northern Ireland electricity

Compare now to save

Andrew Capstick
Andrew Capstick | Edited by Steve Nowottny
Updated 22 November 2024

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can save on your electricity bill by switching supplier or changing the way you pay for energy – some could slash £100s/year off their bill.

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Energy bills have gone up, but some can still switch and save on electricity

Over 800,000 households use electricity in Northern Ireland, with just over half on a standard credit meter and the rest on prepay (for example, topping up with a key or card).

While there are just five electricity firms supplying households, it's still worth checking if you can save by switching. Some can still save £100s/year switching from the most expensive tariff to the cheapest.
 

Watch out for security deposits if switching provider. If you're on a credit meter, move firm and choose not to pay by Direct Debit, most suppliers require a hefty £125 to £150 security deposit.

You'll usually get this back after 12 months or when you leave your supplier – whichever's earlier – provided your account has been paid off fully and on time, but it does add to initial costs. See full security deposit info below.

Pay by Direct Debit and manage your account online for the cheapest rates

While it's always worth checking if you can save by switching to a different electricity supplier, if you have a standard credit meter (so not prepayment) the biggest savings can often come from simply changing how you pay. Paying on receipt of bills, by post, is by the far the most expensive way of paying.

Yet choosing to pay by Direct Debit and managing your account online can net big savings with most energy suppliers.

Update: Wednesday 15 May: Electric Ireland has announced it's intention to stop supplying electricity to residential customers in Northern Ireland at some point in the future, but no specific date has been set yet. We will update this guide as more details are confirmed. Read our full news story: Electric Ireland to stop supplying 10,000s of households in NI – here's what it means for you

How to find and switch to a cheaper electricity deal

switch electricity

Five different firms provide electricity in Northern Ireland. How much you can save depends on whether you're on a credit meter or prepay, plus where you are and your usage.

Compare to find YOUR cheapest price

To find YOUR cheapest deal you need to do a comparison. To compare, you can use the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland's tool. It's free and offers a full market comparison – the Consumer Council is an independent organisation with a legal responsibility to protect consumers' interests.

Alternatively, you can try the Power to Switch tool. It's free and does a full market comparison.

How much can you save?

While you'll need to do a full comparison to see exactly how much you can save, here's how the cheapest typical deals on credit meters compare with standard tariffs.

Credit meter electricity tariffs by provider (based on typical use)

Supplier Tariff Cheapest rate (cost/year) Standard tariff (cost/year)
Budget Energy Bill Pay Q2 24 Fixed Price £842 (1) £1,234
Click Energy Bill Pay 24-Hour Round the Clock £869 £1,132
Electric Ireland Simpler Living Discount £1,169 £1,169
Power NI Energy Online Direct Debit - Monthly

£894

 £951
Share Energy (2) Share 24 Credit £858 (3) £858 (3)
SSE Airtricity 1 Year Home Electricity 31% discount 24hr £815 (1) £1,182

Tariffs correct as of 22 November 2024. Based on typical usage of 3,200 kilowatt hours (kWh)/year, including VAT. Source: The Consumer Council. If you choose not to pay by Direct Debit, all suppliers apart from Power NI require a £125 to £150 security deposit. (1) Fixed price for 12 months. New customers only. (2) Share Energy is a new energy supplier in Northern Ireland. Customers get a share of profits (once profitable) based on energy use. (3) No fixed term, no exit fee.

If you're on prepay, here's how the cheapest deals stack up:

Prepay electricity tariffs by provider (based on typical use)

Supplier Cheapest tariff Cheapest rate (cost/year) Standard tariff (cost/year)
Budget Energy Keypad Q1 Fixed Price £907 (1) £1,223
Click Energy Keypad 24-Hour Round the Clock £878 £1,141
Electric Ireland Simpler Living Keypad £1,169 £1,169
Power NI Keypad Discount £927 £927
Share Energy (4) Share 24 Keypad £870 (3) £870 (3)
SSE Airtricity 1 Yr Keypad 17% (24hr) £981 (2)  £1,152
Tariffs correct as of 22 November 2024. Based on typical usage of 3,200 kWh/year, including VAT. Source: The Consumer Council. (1) Fixed price for 12 months. No exit fee. New customers only. (2) New customers only. Comes with a 17% discount off its standard rate for 12 months and £40 free credit. (3). No fixed term, no exit fee. (4) Share Energy is a new energy supplier in Northern Ireland. Customers get a share of profits (once profitable) based on energy use.

How to switch to a cheaper deal

Once you've found a cheaper deal, actually switching is straightforward, and there'll be no break in supply. The precise process depends on what kind of switch you're making:

  • Switching to a different supplier? Contact the supplier you wish to switch to – you can call to switch or do it through its website. It'll sort out all the techy bits (and tell your current supplier you're leaving), then let you know when the switch is completed.

    You'll need your meter point reference number if you've a credit meter or your keypad premise number if you use prepay – both can be found on your latest bill. There's a 10 working day cooling-off period after you've started the switch, and it can take between two and four weeks to switch over from when you apply.

  • Changing the way you pay? If you're on a credit meter and want to stick to your current tariff and simply change the way you pay – which can still result in significant savings – simply call your current supplier or do it through its website.

    Quick questions

  • Will I be charged a security deposit?

    Many suppliers in Northern Ireland can charge security deposits, ranging from £125 to £150. These are mainly used for customers with credit meters who don't want to pay by Direct Debit – according to the suppliers, this is because you'll be paying for energy in arrears.

    Below is a list of what each supplier charges:

    • Budget Energy – £150 security deposit if you choose not to pay by Direct Debit.

    • Click Energy – £150 security deposit if you choose not to pay by Direct Debit.

    • Electric Ireland – £135 security deposit if you choose not to pay by Direct Debit.

    • Power NI – No security deposit, regardless of how you pay.

    • Share Energy – £150 security deposit if you choose not to pay by Direct Debit or have a keypad top-up meter. This is returned after 12 months if your payments are up to date.

    • SSE Airtricity – £125 security deposit if you choose not to pay by Direct Debit.

    All suppliers say they can charge a security deposit if you fail a credit check, if you fail to pay or if you're late paying any money due.

    Most suppliers return the security deposit to your account after 12 months, provided accounts have been paid off fully and on time. You can avoid security deposits, for all suppliers, by paying by monthly Direct Debit or choosing a prepayment tariff.

  • What if I change my mind?

    If you change your mind after agreeing to switch supplier, or find a cheaper deal elsewhere, you have a 10 working day 'cooling-off' period, in which you can cancel the switch.

    The 10-day period usually starts from the date you sign the agreement, accept the contract over the phone or send an online application form.

    If you're just switching tariff with your current provider, you should be able to switch back just as easily – but make sure the supplier won't charge you exit fees before you do.

    Changing your payment method back should also be straightforward – although be careful: you may lose certain discounts with particular ways of paying.

  • Can I change my meter?

    You can change from a credit meter to a prepay meter, and it should always be free of charge – just contact your supplier.

    If you want to switch from prepay to a credit meter, it depends on your energy provider – it may offer it to you for free, while others may charge a security deposit. Check with your supplier first.

  • Can I switch if I'm renting?

    If you rent your property, and pay an energy provider directly for electricity, you should be able to switch supplier. This is because you have a contract directly with the supplier, so you shouldn't need to get permission from your landlord to switch, though it is a good idea to let them know.

    It may be worth checking your tenancy agreement as well. It may say the landlord has a preferred supplier, so you'll have to let them know before switching, and you may have to switch back to the preferred supplier at the end of your tenancy.

    Of course, even if you can't switch supplier, you should be able to switch to a cheaper tariff with the same provider or change the way you pay to save.

    If you pay your landlord for electricity, you may not be able to switch. If you think you're paying too much, it could be worth talking to your landlord – they're not allowed to charge you more for energy than the supplier is charging them. The landlord may also agree to switch if it saves money.

  • Can I switch supplier if I'm in debt with my current firm?

    All electricity suppliers allow customers to switch even if they're in debt, although whether or not you will be allowed to switch depends on how long you've been in debt for. This varies between suppliers.

    If you've less than £100 debt you should be able to switch, according to the code of practice for suppliers set out by the Utility Regulator.

  • Will I have to pay a standing charge?

    A standing charge is what you pay to have a gas and electricity supply, and on top of this you pay usage charges. Standing charges are very common in the rest of the UK, but in Northern Ireland it depends on your supplier and type of meter.

    If you're with Budget Energy or Click Energy, or on a time-of-use tariff, such as Economy 7, then you most likely will pay a standing charge.

  • What if my energy supplier goes bust?

    According to the Utility Regulator, if a supplier goes bust, or exits the market, their customers will automatically transfer to a new provider, with no loss of service, in a process called 'supplier of last resort'.

    If your supplier does go bust, you'll likely be placed on the new provider's standard tariff, but you're free to switch if you find a better deal elsewhere once you've been transferred.

    If you're in credit when your provider goes bust, you won't lose it. For those on credit meters, you should get the money back directly from the bust supplier or it will be transferred over to your new account with the new supplier. If you prepay for your energy, you'll keep any credit you have on the meter when you're moved across.

Most can't save much by switching gas

There are currently only two gas suppliers in Northern Ireland: Firmus Energy and SSE Airtricity. However, only some have the option of switching between these suppliers.

Whether you can switch depends on what area you're in, as supply in Northern Ireland is split into three regions: 

  • The Greater Belfast area. This covers the Greater Belfast, Larne and East Down areas. SSE Airtricity and Firmus offer gas in this region, so you can switch. SSE is currently over £100 cheaper than Firmus, so it's worth checking if you can switch.

  • The Ten Towns area. This covers Londonderry/Derry, Limavady, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Portstewart, Newry, Craigavon, Antrim, Banbridge and Armagh – gas is only supplied by Firmus, so you've no alternative.

  • The West area. This is set to cover those in Artigarvan, Coalisland, Cookstown, Derrylin, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Magherafelt, Omagh and Strabane. Gas is fairly new to these areas, with only about 2,000 homes connected so far. Gas here is only supplied by SSE Airtricity.

Update Wednesday 3 April: Following a review by Northern Ireland's Utility Regulator, from 1 April, SSE Airtricity reduced its domestic gas supply tariff in the Greater Belfast and West gas areas by 22.8%. This means around 208,000 households will see their energy bill decrease by an average of £320 per year.

Similarly, from 1 April, Firmus Energy has decreased its gas rates by 15.6% in both the Ten Towns Network area and Greater Belfast Network area, saving these households an average of £221 per year.

  • How do I switch gas (even if I can't save by doing so)?

    If you live in the Greater Belfast area, you are able to switch gas supplier, unlike those in the Ten Towns or West areas.

    If you do change supplier, the process is largely the same as for electricity. You have the same rights, including the 10 working day cooling-off period, and the switching process should also take two to four weeks from when you apply. 

  • I'm in debt – can I still switch gas?

    Yes. For gas, if you've debts of more than £100 and haven't paid your bill for more than 28 days, the new supplier is able to transfer the debt from the old supplier if you agree repayment terms. You can pay this by Direct Debit or through your prepayment meter. The new supplier will also allow you to switch if you clear the debt within three working days before you switch.

    If you owe less than £100, you can still switch supplier – if you're on a prepay meter you'll simply pay off your debt to the new supplier through the meter, while if you're on a credit meter the debt will be added to your account and you'll need to agree repayment terms.

Haggle or swap supplier to save on heating oil

Heating oil is the most popular heating fuel in Northern Ireland – more than two-thirds of households use oil rather than gas. Using and buying heating oil in Northern Ireland works in much the same way as it does in the rest of the UK. For full help, including brokers and comparison sites, see our Heating oil prices guide.

Heating oil prices

fireplace

The heating oil market in Northern Ireland is not regulated. However the Consumer Council, along with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF), has developed a 'customer charter' that sets out minimum standards of service for consumers. To find a distributor that follows this charter in your area, check the NIOF's directory.

When buying heating oil, it's worth trying a few different suppliers and haggling to find the best available price. Prices are typically quoted per litre for 300 litres, 500 litres and 900 litres, and the more you buy, the cheaper per litre it will be. Be aware though, that the price of heating oil is likely to go up in winter due to higher demand.

Here's an idea of what you're likely to pay, according to the Consumer Council:

Typical heating oil prices

TABLE_CELL_STYLE 300 LITRES 500 LITRES 900 LITRES
Average £186 £288 £504

Correct as of 22 November 2024. Source: The Consumer Council.

Quick question

  • Can I switch from heating oil to gas?

    If you're in an area that can be connected to gas, you can contact your area's network owner – for Greater Belfast it's Phoenix Natural Gas; for the Ten Towns areas it's Firmus Energy; and for the West area it's SGN Natural Gas. It should be free, but you'll need to pay for a new gas boiler and any internal plumbing and radiators that may be needed. Check with your local gas network operator to see if switching is right for you:

    • Firmus Energy – call 0330 024 9000 or check its website and select your town to see if it can connect you.

    • Phoenix Natural Gas – call 03454 55 55 55 or head over to its website to check if you can be connected.

    • SGN Natural Gas – call 0800 975 7774 or head over to its website to check if you can be connected.

    If you do connect your home, ensure you pick an installer that is a 'Gas Safe registered installation' company. Phoenix and Firmus maintain a list of such suppliers, or you can find a registered installer for your area on the Gas Safe directory. These installers have all demonstrated that they meet certain standards.

    Once you've been connected, you can get your gas supplied by either Firmus Energy or SSE Airtricity, depending on where you live. Phoenix and SGN are network operators and don't supply domestic properties.

Extra support from energy suppliers through the consumer charter

Extra support has been made available for Northern Ireland energy customers under a new voluntary 'energy charter' set up by the Utility Regulator, the Consumer Council, the Department for Communities, Department for the Economy, and gas and electricity suppliers. Under the current charter, which runs until 31 March 2024, energy suppliers will commit to:

  • contributing to the hardship fund for households struggling to pay their bills;
  • reducing debt repayment rates;
  • ensuring customers on care registers will not be moved onto a pre-payment, unless they request it;
  • guaranteeing households won't be switched onto a pre-payment meter between 1 December 2023 and 31 January 2024, unless they request it; and 
  • improved communication between suppliers and customers.
See the  full energy charter  for more info.

Energy grants and discounts

energy efficiency discounts

With energy prices at all-time highs, the Government introduced a range of payments to help with the cost of living last winter. Some were available to all households, depending on how you use fuel, while others were only for those on certain benefits.

See our Struggling to pay your energy bills guide for the full rundown of the help that's available, but here's a summary of the main schemes available in Northern Ireland:

  • Winter fuel payment - Some pensioner households are entitled to up to £300 help towards their energy costs and is paid automatically to those eligible.

  • Cold weather payments - you can get £25 to help with heating bills for each seven-day period of freezing weather during winter.

Energy efficiency can also help cut bills massively, and there are various schemes on offer from suppliers and the Government. Depending on your circumstances, you could get anything from a new boiler to better insulation, or a raft of other improvements.

Here are some of the main grants and offers available:

  • Affordable Warmth Grant. If your annual household income is less than £23,000, you could be eligible for a grant to install a range of improvements, from insulation to heating systems and controls, and even a full conversion from heating oil to gas heating. You can find out more on the NI Direct website.

  • Boiler Replacement Scheme. New applications are no longer being accepted for the scheme. If you've already received formal approval, you will still be able to get your boiler replaced. If you've submitted an application but not heard back, the NI Housing Executive (NIHE) will contact you.

  • The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP). This is generally only open to low income households in Northern Ireland. It provides funding for energy efficiency measures, such as boiler upgrades, new LED lights, smart heating controls and draught proofing. You can check the full list of NISEP Schemes available, identify the scheme you're interested in and use the contact details to apply.

If you need advice on any of the energy efficiency schemes available in Northern Ireland, you can contact the Northern Ireland Energy Advice service online, or call freephone 0800 111 4455.

How to complain if things go wrong

First complain to your supplier. According to Northern Ireland's code of practice for the energy market, suppliers are required to resolve complaints within three months. We've listed the contact details for each supplier below.

Supplier contact details

SUPPLIER PHONE OPENING HOURS
Budget Energy 0800 012 1177 Mon to Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 11am-3pm
Click Energy 0800 107 0732 Mon to Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 9am-4pm
Electric Ireland 0345 600 5335 Mon to Fri: 8.30am-7pm
Firmus Energy 0330 024 900 Mon to Thu: 9am-5pm, Fri: 9am-3.45pm
Power NI 0345 745 5455 Mon to Fri: 9am-5pm
Share Energy 0808 304 9870 Mon to Fri 8am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 1pm 
SSE Airtricity 0345 601 9093 Mon to Fri: 8am-8pm

You can try calling your supplier initially – though if you get nowhere, try sending a formal email or letter. If the provider doesn't resolve the complaint, or you're not happy with the response, raise it with the Consumer Council – it has legal powers to act on your behalf and investigate your complaint.

While the Consumer Council isn't an ombudsman and can't make a ruling on your complaint, it can advocate on your behalf and work with the supplier to help reach a resolution. Electricity companies are required to respond to the Consumer Council within 10 days – so you should hear back shortly after this.

If that doesn't work, or the Consumer Council was unable to deal with your issue to your satisfaction, you may be able to refer your complaint to the Utility Regulator. The regulator can investigate the dispute and issue binding decisions on each complaint.

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