Key to Cheaper Electricity

27 Mar 2009

Local DUP MLA, Jonathan Craig, recently met with NIE Energy representatives to discuss electricity prices and help available for NIE Energy customers in the Lisburn and Dromore areas.

Gwyneth Compston from NIE Energy said she was glad to have the opportunity to meet with Jonathan and let him know how constituents could get cheaper electricity.

Councillor and MLA, Jonathan Craig said: “It is good to see NIE being innovated in their pricing structure in an effort to try to reduce the overall energy bill for electric users in Northern Ireland.

“It is also good to see that they are now introducing pay-as-you-go systems for electric which will be of huge benefit to the less well off in our society who cannot afford to have high electricity bills and also for those living on the state pension who can now budget their electric costs using this system.

“All of these groups will benefit from the discounts over the off-peak period.”

Gwyneth said: “Even with us reducing the price of electricity by 10.8% from January, we know household budgets are tight and electricity payments are a struggle for some people.

“What we talked through with Jonathan is that customers can get cheaper electricity by paying as they go along using a Keypad meter. It’s similar to pay as you go mobile phones. You can pay as you go along, to suit your budget, as well as getting 2.5% discount off the electricity you buy. NIE Energy will change your existing meter with a Keypad meter free of charge.”

As well as receiving a discount, NIE Energy customers will benefit as a Keypad provides real time feedback on how much electricity being using, helping households to better control electricity use.

Gwyneth added: “Unlike some mainland based suppliers, NIE Energy does not charge extra for ‘pay as you go’, with a Keypad. In fact, NIE Energy goes the other way and gives Keypad customers the 2.5% discount off the standard price of electricity. “

NIE Energy customers can buy top-ups online at www.nieenergy.co.uk, anytime from NIE Energy’s automated telephone service on 08457 455 455. Or top up from any Paypoint and PayZone shops.

During the meeting, Jonathan Craig MLA also heard how local constituents could reduce their electricity costs further by getting Keypad ‘Powershift’.

Keypad Power-shift has the same benefits as Keypad, but as well as the 2.5% discount off the standard price of electricity, it gives lower cost electricity at all times except between 4-7pm daily Monday – Friday (changes to 5-8pm when the clocks change in spring).

Jonathan added: “I have Keypad Powershift in my home and have found it has reduced my electricity costs by about 40%. It suits my family and would also suit people who can avoid using a lot of electricity during the peak hours. The savings are there to be had.”

Gwyneth went on: “On top of that, working with a range of organisations, NIE Energy offers customers a free benefits entitlement check which, to date, has led to an extra £39 a week in the pocket of successful participants.”

A benefit entitlement check will provide a confidential and comprehensive assessment of the individual circumstances to establish if they are entitled to additional unclaimed benefits and to provide help to complete the relevant forms. In addition, the service will also refer people to relevant energy efficiency grants and support. For more information, visit www.nie-yourenergy.co.uk .

Save today by going online to www.nieenergy.co.uk and find out about Keypad and Keypad Powershift and free benefits entitlement check, or by calling NIE Energy on 08457 455 455 (Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and on Saturday 9am to 1pm).

Photo caption - Local DUP MLA, Jonathan Craig, recently met with Gwyneth Compston from NIE Energy, to find out about discounted electricity available to people in the Lisburn and Dromore areas. \'Pay as you go\' for the electricity you use and get 2.5% discount off every unit you use by calling NIE Energy on 08457 455 455.

back to news page | top