Back in 2024, we reported on Electric Ireland’s plan to exit the NI market (you can read that here) and stop supplying homes. Now, over a year later, we’re finally know what’s going to happen to the almost 30,000 Electric Ireland customers who haven’t yet switched to a new supplier.
What’s happening to Electric Ireland customers?
Electric Ireland customers who have not yet switched, or do not switch before 8th September 2025 will transfer to Power NI. For many households, this change will raise important questions: What happens to my electricity supply? Do I need to do anything? Will my bills change?
The good news is that your electricity supply will continue uninterrupted throughout the process. There is no risk of losing power, and customers will not be charged any exit fees if they decide to switch away before the transfer is complete. That means you can switch to any other supplier in the market without penalty, rather than wait until the automatic transfer takes place in September 2025.
If you don’t switch to another supplier before 8th September 2025, you will be automatically transferred to Power NI. If you transfer to Power NI, you must remain their customer for 20 business days before you can switch to another electricity supplier.
How the Transfer Will Work
From 8th September 2025, Electric Ireland will begin transferring all remaining domestic customers to Power NI. If you have not switched supplier by that date, your account will be included in this process. For most households, this transfer will happen in the background, with no need to take action.
However, there are some steps you can take to make the process smoother. If you are a credit meter customer, Electric Ireland recommends submitting a meter reading before the transfer begins. This will ensure your final bill is accurate and any remaining credit or debt is addressed.
If you are a keypad (pay-as-you-go) customer, your details will be passed to Power NI, who will then contact you directly by phone to finalise the transfer. Once your account is set up, Power NI will provide you with all the information you need to continue topping up and managing your electricity as normal.
Electric Ireland has made customers aware that they can switch to Power NI before the 8th September deadline. However, you are under no obligation to transfer to Power NI – you can choose any electricity supplier and switch to them. It is also likely you will be transferred to the Power NI standard rate (as you will need to contact them to avail of Direct Debit or billing discounts). This means you will be able to choose another supplier or tariff that will save you money.
If you’ve still got something to sort with your Electric Ireland account, their customer service team is on hand at 0800 313 4926 between 8:45 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). You can also drop them an email at customerservice@electricireland.com.
Choosing to Switch Suppliers
You may be reading this and thinking that while it all sounds quite handy, you’re not quite sure that you want to be automatically shifted to Power NI, and are even more concerned that you may not be getting the best deal anymore. If so, we would highly recommend comparing your current deal using our comparison tool. Within just a few minutes, you can review all of the deals available to you and choose the one you like the best – whether that’s because it’s with a supplier you like and trust, or because they’re simply offering the cheapest, most competitive offer.
Here’s how it works:
1. Visit the Power to Switch Website: Go to www.powertoswitch.co.uk and enter a few details about your current deal and energy use
2. Compare Suppliers: On the results page you can compare tariffs and offers across all suppliers in Northern Ireland.
3. Select the Best Option: Choose the supplier and tariff that best meets your needs based on price, tariff features, rewards and contract terms.
4. Start the Switch: Complete the switch form and Power to Switch will handle your switch from there – you don’t even have to tell your old supplier you are leaving.
Please be aware that you are free to switch supplier before 8th September, but after this time, you will have to wait 20 days before changing.
Don’t worry – take control
This news is likely to feel unsettling and maybe even a little confusing, but there is no reason to feel that way. With Power to Switch, you can take control of your energy deal and make the best choice for you and your household. In fact, our average customer saves around £421 from their annual bill when they switch with us, making a bit change to their yearly expenses.
Give it a go today – it’s no risk, no cost, and no obligation. Compare now.
