Help managing your energy bills
Managing your bills
There are lots of things we can do to help make your energy payments easier to manage.
Discounts
- Switch to direct debit and eBill if you haven’t already, this is a simple way to save on your energy bills, you can do this through your My Account.
Prepayments
- Did you know you can make payments towards your account before the bill is issued? This can help you budget if you are paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can do this quickly and easily with our handy app or by logging in to your My Account.
Renew your contract
- As an existing customer you may be eligible to renew your contract and avail of a better rate. Call our dedicated Sales Team on 0345 850 8940 to discuss.
Prepayment meter
- If you're a prepayment meter customer, we have helpful information about topping up, replacing cards or keys and emergency credit.
- Times of low usage may be a good opportunity to reduce any debt you may have on your meter by making additional payments.
Meter readings
- Submitting a meter reading will help keep your bill accurate.
- Your electricity meter is read four times a year. We rely on estimates outside these times to calculate your bill. Sending us regular readings is the easiest way to make sure you only for pay for what you use.
- When you submit a reading just before the end of your billing period, you’ll minimise the number of days we need to estimate your bill. You can submit meter readings up to five days before your bill is due.
- We can send you a free text or email to remind you when a meter reading is due. To sign up for and manage your meter reading reminders, log into your My Account or download our mobile app.
- To learn more about reading your meter visit: meter readings.
There are two ways to submit your meter readings:
- Online: Login to your My Account at any time.
- Phone: Call NIE Networks on 03456 093 030 (open 24 hours) with your MPRN number. You can find you MPRN number on the top right hand corner of your bill; or on the NIE Networks website.
Difficulties paying your bills
We are committed to supporting our customers in managing their energy costs. We know bills can be a worry, if you’re having difficulties in paying your energy bills, we encourage you to call us on 0345 850 8882 and we’ll work with you to find a solution.
- If you would prefer to have a prepayment meter installed to allow for better budgeting. This meter allows you pay for your energy before you use it, meaning you will not receive any unexpected bills. It can also help you to manage your arrears. Find helpful information about topping up, replacing cards or meter keys and emergency credit info in our Help Centre or check out our .
- Contact us to discuss available repayment options. These include manageable repayments you can make either weekly or monthly. If you're already on payment plan with us and your circumstances have changed, call us and we'll discuss the different solutions available for you to help manage your account.
Free and independent advice
- You may find it helpful to talk to Advice NI who provide a range of advice services including welfare reform, money, tax & benefits and business debt. You can also call their office on 0800 915 4604.
- The Consumer Council in Northern Ireland also offer advice. You can also call their office on 028 9025 1600.
- You can take a free benefit entitlement check, with NI Direct.
- You’ll find contact details for the Utility Regulator in Northern Ireland online at uregni.gov.uk .
Vulnerable Customer Care
Some of our customers have special requirements where continuity of their energy supply is crucial. Our outlines the services and protections we provide. For more information visit Supporting those that need it most.
Your bill explained
- To understand your bill, we've created a Simple user guide explaining your bill in more detail.
- Download our or visit our Help Centre to understand your bill more.
- Call us on 0345 601 9093, so we can explain your bill to you and arrange a payment plan, if you need one. We are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.