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Why are some bills higher than others?

Here are the most common reasons for a higher-than-expected bill:

• Estimated readings: was your last bill based on an estimated reading? It may have been too low, and this bill is simply catching up
• A change in operating hours?: Even one hour extra per day can add 15% to your bills
• New equipment?: Additional electric heating, air conditioning, refrigeration or lighting usually means more units being used and higher bills
• Seasonal changes?: Are you comparing a winter bill to a summer bill? It’s also quite common to get a higher bill in winter when heating and lighting are used for longer periods

If you’re still concerned about a high bill or are struggling to pay, please call us for help and guidance.

Cutting energy waste

You could lower your energy bills by cutting energy waste where possible. Reducing your energy usage will also help to limit the harmful impact on the environment. 

Measure it and manage it

It’s easier to cut energy waste when you know exactly how much you are using. You can easily monitor your consumption on Energy Online, Power NI’s online account management tool.

No cost methods

The easiest way to reduce energy consumption is to turn things off when they’re not needed. Make energy efficiency part of your daily routine and encourage staff to help out.

Low cost methods

There are some small investments you can make to help reduce energy waste. For example, plug-in timers reduce the chance of equipment being left on after hours. Timers can save around 50% of costs associated with printers and copiers*.

Reduce lighting costs

• Use low energy lamps or LEDs – they use up to 80% less energy and last much longer
• ‘Low voltage’ spotlights are not the same as ‘low energy’ lamps – always check the wattage
• Use ‘people sensors’ in seldom used areas like kitchens, toilets and stores
• Use ‘daylight sensors’ to switch off outside floodlights and interior lights on brighter days
• Use timers to accurately control the hours of use

Reduce heating costs

• Use thermostats to accurately control heating temperatures – one degree too high can add 8% to your heating bills
• Use timers to accurately control the hours of use
• If you have air-conditioning make sure it is serviced every year and that the controls are set correctly
• Draught-proof doors and windows and fit wall and roof insulation if possible

Reduce your refrigeration costs

• Make sure fridge and freezer door deals are in good condition
• Cover chill cabinets at night or fit night-blinds or curtain strips

Direct Debit = direct savings

Pay your quarterly bills by Direct Debit and save up to 4% on your electricity costs. That equals two full weeks of electricity for free every year! You can choose to pay by quarterly Direct Debit or monthly Direct Debit.

Quarterly Direct Debit for businesses

You still get your bills every three months. Instead of posting a cheque or queuing up to pay, the full amount is paid by Direct Debit. This is paid from your bank account 14 days after the bill date.

Monthly Direct Debit for businesses

Instead of paying each quarterly bill in full you pay an agreed amount every month by Direct Debit from your bank account. This means smaller, more convenient payments to suit your budget.

Sign up today – no forms, no fuss!

To sign up for monthly or quarterly Direct Debit, simply call our Customer Helpline with your bank details. Please note, the caller must be an approved signatory on the account.

Energy Online

Customers can go paperless by activating their Energy Online account. Quarterly-billed Direct Debit customers get an extra 2% discount! Visit Energy Online to sign up.

Calculate your energy costs

This simple formula will help you estimate the running costs of your equipment:

Watts divided by 5 = daily costs

Example: 100 watts divided by 5 = 20p a day

Calculate your electricity use

Further help:

The Carbon Trust:

Provide a wide range of free energy saving advice and support for businesses. Call them on 020 7170 7000 or visit their website.

The Consumer Council:

Floor 3 Seatem House, 28 - 32 Alfred St, Belfast BT2 8EN

0800 121 6022

[email protected]

Power NI Business

Contact us here.

*Source: The Carbon Trust

**Based on 17p + VAT a unit for a ten-hour day. Remember, some tariffs offer less than half price electricity in the evenings and at weekends. Source: The Carbon Trust

***Based on hours a day, six days a week