Prices and tariffs · Bills
Energy bills in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own energy market, regulated by the Utility Regulator rather than Ofgem. The GB price cap does not apply, so GB price figures and many GB schemes are not a guide to NI bills.
Updated 2 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team
How Northern Ireland is different
- No Ofgem price cap. The Utility Regulator regulates the market. Power NI is the only electricity supplier whose domestic tariffs are regulated.
- Keypad meters are a common way to pay for electricity.
- Heating oil heats about two thirds of homes, rising to over 80% in rural areas, according to the Consumer Council, so oil prices matter as much as electricity and gas. The Consumer Council publishes a weekly oil price survey.
- The Smart Export Guarantee does not apply, so solar export payments depend on each supplier's own offer.
- Comparison. The Consumer Council publishes electricity and gas price comparison tables for NI suppliers.
Check
What to check first
- Your tariff and supplier. Note your unit rate, any standing charge and discounts for payment method.
- The Consumer Council's comparison tables for current offers.
- Help you may qualify for, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment and the Affordable Warmth Scheme: see the energy support finder.
Do
Practical next steps
- Compare your current tariff using the Consumer Council's tables.
- Contact NI Energy Advice (0800 111 4455) for free advice on bills and grants.
- For heating oil, see heating oil prices and buying a delivery.
Take care
Important limitations
- Our price-cap tools cover England, Scotland and Wales only; they do not price NI tariffs.
- Rules on switching, debt and prepayment differ from GB.
Related tools and guides
Sources
- Utility Regulator
- Consumer Council: electricity price comparison table
- Consumer Council: support with high energy costs
- Housing Executive: energy efficiency grants
- Consumer Council: Home Energy Index
Official sources checked 3 October 2026.