We are an independent non-ministerial government department set up to ensure the effective regulation of the Electricity, Gas and Water and Sewerage industries in Northern Ireland.

Section 3: Prices, Tariffs and Monitoring

1. How can I distinguish between price, charge and tariff on my bill?
Your contract must contain details of the price you are paying for your energy, charges for any additional services (for example, boiler maintenance schemes) and the name of the tariff you have agreed to.

2. What information should I receive from my supplier on his charging system?
Your bill should clearly show you the units used, tariff charges and standing charges where applicable. Any levies or taxes (such as the Climate Change levy and VAT) must also be clearly identifiable.

3. What are the rules on the calculation method to be applied by my supplier?
Suppliers must clearly demonstrate on the bill all charges that lead to the total bill amount. You should contact your supplier should you require further clarification of the charges included on your bill.

4. Will I be asked for deposits and connection charges? How can I find out more about them?
Some suppliers may ask for a security deposit, depending on your individual circumstances. These must be detailed in your contract. .

Details of electricity connection charges, which are payable to NIE (the network operator) are available at: http://www.niegetconnected.co.uk/ . Details of gas connections can be found at http://www.phoenixnaturalgas.com/naturalgas/how-to-get-connected/ and http://www.firmusenergy.co.uk/faqs_specific.aspx?section=connections .

5. How can I distinguish offers? Can I get information on energy prices per unit, taking account of parameters for the calculation of process and possible indexation mechanisms applying to the full contract period?
It is important when examining offers to compare like with like. Ensure that any standing or additional charges are taken into account when assessing the overall cost of the contract.

6. Where can I access an electronic price calculator?
The Consumer Council has energy price comparison tools which you can download from: http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy/price-comparison-/ . The tool is a Microsoft Excel based spreadsheet that will require MS Office, Excel, OpenOffice or compatible program.

7. Where do I find a tool helping me to compare different supply offers?
The Consumer Council has energy price comparison tools which you can download from: http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy/price-comparison-/ . You will need an excel spreadsheet package on your computer to view this.

8. Is there a recent price monitor published for my area?
The Consumer Council has energy price comparison tools which you can download from: http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy/price-comparison-/ . The tool is a Microsoft Excel based spreadsheet that will require MS Office, Excel, OpenOffice or compatible program.

9. What payment options are open to me?
All gas and electricity suppliers must offer a range of payment methods but at least standard credit, direct debit and prepayment. Some suppliers offer other ways to pay for example at the Post Office. Ask your supplier or a supplier you are considering switching to see what options they offer.

The Consumer Council has produced a series of leaflets which include information on how you can pay for your electricity and gas. Contact the Consumer Council to get the leaflet.

10. Is there a system of regulated prices or other forms of price control applied in my area? Do I have the right to receive energy at a price fixed by a national authority?
Power NI tariffs for domestic and small business customers are regulated by the Utility Regulator as they have the largest market share of the domestic market. A briefing about the latest tariff review can be found at: http://www.uregni.gov.uk/uploads/publications/October_2011_Draft_Retail_Tariff_Background_Briefing_V2_0.pdf and a Questions and Answers paper can be found at: http://www.uregni.gov.uk/uploads/publications/Power_NI_Supply_Tariff_Announcement_Q_and_As_v2.pdf
Phoenix Supply Limited prices are also regulated by the Utility Regulator as they too have the largest market share in the gas market. Details are on their website at: http://www.phoenixsupplyni.com/at-home/help-and-advice/tariffs-and-payment-options/ .

11. Whom do I have to contact in order to be provided with a consumption meter? Do I have a choice in the type of meter I can have / can acquire?
NIE (the network operator) is responsible for electricity metering in Northern Ireland; you can contact them on 08457 643 643.
In Natural Gas, contact Phoenix Natural Gas in the Greater Belfast and Larne areas, and firmus energy in the Ten Towns.

12. Is there a maximum period specified, over which my supplier has to provide me with information on my actual consumption of gas and / or electricity?
New rules are being introduced to make sure all suppliers give annual up-dates on your consumption [If you have not been with your supplier for a less than a year you will only receive a figure for part of the year.

13. When and how is my consumption meter read?
Electricity
NIE is responsible for reading your electricity meter, including ‘keypad meters’, regardless of which supplier you choose. They will pass on your meter-reading to your supplier so the supplier can send you a bill. Your meter-reading cycle will remain as it is now, even if you change supplier. If you are out when NIE calls to read your meter you can read your meter yourself and telephone them on 084 5609 3030, e-mail at or through the website: http://www.nie.co.uk/customerinformation/meterreading.htm

Gas
Your supply company is responsible for meter reading

Firmus energy will call to read your meter once a year for customers who manage their gas account using the internet and twice a year for those who do not. To submit your own meter reading to firmus, telephone 08456 08 00 77 (automated service), e-mail or through the ‘My account’ tab on the firmus website at https://accounts.firmusenergy.co.uk/login.php

Phoenix Supply will call to read your meter four times a year if you are standard credit meter customer and do not pay by monthly Direct Debit and once per year if you do pay by monthly Direct Debit or Pay-As-You-Go. To submit your own meter reading to Phoenix Supply telephone 0845 900 5253 or the dedicated meter reading line on (028) 9055 5864 or online at http://www.phoenixsupplyni.com/at-home/my-account/submit-a-meter-reading/

Both electricity and gas suppliers may offer a cheaper tariff if you submit your own meter reads on a regular basis. Contact individual suppliers for details.

If there is no meter-reading available your next bill will use an estimated meter reading. This will be based on your previous consumption pattern. If this is the case, take an actual meter reading and provide it to your supplier so they can produce a more accurate bill.

14. Am I exposed to increasing energy prices during a given contract period? Are there public measures reducing the risk to be confronted with significant price increases during my contract duration?
This depends on your contract. Some contracts will allow for variations in price – although the contract should say when you will be informed of price changes and state where you can get up-to-date information on prices. Other contracts will be for a fixed-term tariff where you agree to pay a specified price for a fixed period, regardless of whether variable tariffs go up or down. Check with your supplier before you sign a contract if the price is fixed, if so, how long it is fixed for and what penalty there is if you want to terminate the contract earlier than the fixed term.

15. What is the legal procedure before a supplier can change the supply price?
All suppliers must give you at least 21 days advance notice of any proposed change to contracts, where a change relates to price the supplier must give notice of it within 28 days of the change becoming effective.

They must also inform you of your right to terminate the contract you have with them and the procedure for doing so.

(NB the information contained above is currently subject to consultation as part of the implementation of the EU Third Internal Energy Package and is therefore subject to change).