THOUSANDS of electricity bill payers have been quietly switched to a new provider.
Electric Ireland has been transferring its residential customers to another Northern Irish provider – Power NI – since September 8.
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A phone displaying a customer’s latest energy bill. Credit: PACredit: PA
Electric Ireland has left Northern Ireland’s domestic supply market.
The company said it made the decision after a conducting a strategic review of its Northern Ireland business.
At the end of August, Electric Ireland was still supplying power to some 26,000 households that needed to be switched, The Irish Times reported.
The switch does not affect Electric Ireland’s business customers.
The transfer is automatic – so if you’re an affected customer, there’s no need to do anything.
Customers with accounts in debt will still have be responsible for paying their outstanding balances, Electric Ireland said.
Any credit on meters will also be transferred as part of a switch to another supplier.
Power NI isNorthern Ireland‘s biggest energy supplier with over 450,000 domestic customers.
On September 5, the provider announced that it would increase its electricity price tariff by 4%.
The increase kicks in on October 1 and applies to all Power NI Home Energy customers.
So transferred customers who find themselves on the higher tariff may want to look out for cheaper deals.
This was the second tariff increase from Power NI in less than a year.
A Power NI spokesperson said the rise was “unavoidable” following a review of its residential unit price.
The Northern Ireland Utility Regulator is working with Electric Ireland to ensure consumers are “protected and kept fully informed” throughout the process.
If you are still unsure about where you stand following the switch, contact Power NI and Electric Ireland using their websites.
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Households are being urged to check if they can get a better deal following the switch.
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland – an independent body protecting consumers’ interests – has a free market comparison tool.
The free Power to Switch tool, which compares electricity tariffs in Northern Ireland, can help you find the cheapest deal.
How to get help with your energy bills in Northern Ireland
Unlike customers in England, Wales and Scotland, Northern Irish customers are not covered by Ofgem’s energy price cap.
Instead, the Utility Regulator regulates energy prices and sets the equivalent of a price cap which is called the tariff review process.
The average annual bill for electricity and gas is £2,068 in Northern Ireland, according to the Utility Regulator.
You should contact your energy supplier as soon as possible if you are struggling to pay for your energy bills.
Suppliers sometimes reassess or reduce debt repayments for customers in financial trouble.
They may also refer you to organisations like Advice NI which offer free, independent debt advice.
Providers can also share information around energy efficiency that could help you to cut your bills.
The government-sponsored Money Advice Service can help you find support. A range of choices is available from its debt advice locator.
The Advice NI Money Talks service also has advice on managing your money.
How to get help with your energy bills in England, Scotland and Wales
In Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), energy prices are regulated by Ofgem.
Ofgem sets a price cap, which limits the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity.
Between October 1 and December 31, 2025, the energy price cap will be set at £1,755 per year for a typical household who use electricity and gas.
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, contact your supplier as soon as possible.
Energy companies are required to offer support.
This could include reviewing or reducing debt repayments or offering a repayment plan.
They can also providing advice on energy efficiency measures to help reduce your usage and bills
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving out a free £150 to Universal Credit households to help with energy bills this winter.
The Warm Home Discount is paid to millions of low-income households to help with increased heating costs.
Organisations like Citizens Advice and the StepChange Debt Charity also offer free, independent debt advice.
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What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
