How electricity pricing works in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own electricity market. The Ofgem price cap you hear about on the news does not apply here. Instead, the Utility Regulator reviews the tariffs of the largest suppliers, and other suppliers compete against those prices.
Your bill has two parts. The unit rate is what you pay for each kWh you use. The standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether you use any electricity or not. Some NI tariffs have no standing charge at all, so a lower unit rate is not always the cheaper deal.
Why the cheapest unit rate can cost more
A tariff with a low unit rate but a standing charge can work out dearer for a low-use home. For example, a 13p daily standing charge adds about £47 a year before you switch anything on. The calculator above adds both parts together for your usage, so you can compare like with like.
Before you switch
- Check for an exit fee on your current fixed-term deal.
- Look at how discounts work. Some only apply up to a spending limit or for the first year.
- Compare all current NI tariffs on the Consumer Council comparison table, then enter the ones you like here.
Want to know which appliances are driving your bill? Use the appliance running cost calculator.
Common questions
Did Northern Ireland get the 0% VAT cut on electricity?
No. From 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, electricity in England, Scotland and Wales carries 0% VAT, but Northern Ireland keeps the 5% rate because EU VAT rules still apply under the Windsor Framework. The government has said NI households will get comparable support instead.
Does the Ofgem price cap apply in Northern Ireland?
No. The price cap covers England, Scotland and Wales only. In Northern Ireland the Utility Regulator reviews the regulated tariffs of the largest suppliers, such as Power NI, and other suppliers set their own prices.
How much electricity does a typical Northern Ireland home use?
The Consumer Council uses 3,200 kWh a year as a typical household when comparing tariffs. Your own bill shows your actual use.
Does Power NI have a standing charge?
Power NI's standard tariffs on the Consumer Council table for 24 September 2026 show no standing charge. Some other NI suppliers do charge one, which is why this calculator adds both parts together.
Is it worth switching electricity supplier in NI?
It depends on your usage and the deals on offer. Enter your current tariff and a few alternatives above to see the difference for your home before deciding.