My Keypad meter is showing an overload error message - how do I fix this?

This error message means that at the point of overload, you were using too much electricity for your Keypad meter.  This can sometimes happen if you are using too many appliances at once. To fix this, press and hold the ‘0’ key for up to 10 seconds.  You may need to do this twice. This fix will work for all Keypad meter types.

If you have credit on your Keypad, there will be no limit to the number of times you can press and hold the ‘0’ key to restore your electricity supply. However, if your Keypad is running in emergency credit, you will only be able to reset up to 10 times before you will need to add more credit to continue.

Which appliances are likely to cause this problem with my Keypad? 

In general, any appliance which creates or uses heat typically uses more electricity. This includes electric heaters, electric showers, ovens, tumble dryers, kettles etc. Electric vehicle charging points also use a lot of electricity. It is also important not to overload sockets.

I have someone in my household who relies on electricity for healthcare needs - can I get special consideration? 

For anyone who relies on electricity for healthcare needs, they can join the NIE Networks Medical Customer Care Register to get support during power cuts. This includes medical equipment such as specialised mattresses, feeding systems or lifting equipment. For more information visit the NIE Networks website. To fix an overload message on your Keypad, press and hold the ‘0’ key for up to 10 seconds.  You may need to do this twice. This fix will work for all Keypad meter types. If you’re still having issues, you can phone NIE Networks on 03457 643 643 (lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). 

My Keypad meter has tripped again with an overload error – do I need contact anyone?

You do not need to contact anyone; you can press the and hold the ‘0’ key for up to 10 seconds again to reset your Keypad.  As this has tripped again, you will need to reduce your electricity consumption to avoid further meter trips.  You will need to switch off non-essential or high energy appliances, or try to stagger the use of appliances that create or use heat, such as tumble dryers, electric showers, electric heaters etc.

What can I do to stop my supply continually tripping off?

Please see useful tips below:

• Don’t let devices run on standby - turn off at the mains. 
• If you have an electric vehicle, charge your EV at a time when there are less electricity devices in use at home. 
• Try not to run high energy-use appliances at the same time; this would include electric showers, ovens, kettles, washing machines, tumble dryers etc.

I’ve pressed ‘0’ but still have no power - what should I do?

If you still have no power after resetting your Keypad meter, please check the below:

• Your Keypad credit - do you have credit in your meter? If you are running on emergency credit then you can only reset up to 10 times. Top-up your meter and you can try again.
• Your trip switch – this checks if it is a problem with the electrics in your property.
• Your neighbours – are they also without power or are the streetlights off? If so, your loss of power may be due to a wider issue. 
• Your area - PowerCheck provides real-time fault information on a map of Northern Ireland. Check to see if your area is affected on PowerCheck. 

Can I increase my electricity capacity in my home so I can use the appliances I need?

For more information on your supply capacity, you can visit the NIE Networks website.