Budget Energy

Budget Energy is an electricity-only supplier offering variable tariffs, cheaper 12-month fixed tariffs and keypad (or prepayment) customer tariffs. It has more than 60,000 customers, most of whom have prepayment meters. Budget Energy says it has no connection or installation fees.

The company also offers an option for those who generate renewable energy, such as solar power, with its Power Purchase Agreement. This lets you sell the electricity you don't use back to the grid. 

If you own a farm, you can book a farm visit from Budget Energy to look over your energy use. 

Budget Energy customer score

Budget Energy came second this year in our survey of more than 800 Northern Irish energy customers, alongside six other NI companies.  

Budget Energy score breakdown

The graphic below shows the breakdown of its score from our survey. Scroll down to read our verdict on the supplier and find out what goes into its fuel mix.

Find out how Budget Energy compares with other energy companies – you can reveal the full results of our survey on Northern Ireland electricity and gas firms.

Which? verdict on Budget Energy

Budget Energy came in second place this year, dropping from joint first place last year. Unfortunately we didn't receive enough responses to rate it for its bills, customer service, digital tools or how it handles complaints, but its customers were impressed with its value for money.  

In fact, 71% of Budget Energy's customers rated it good or excellent for value, second only to Electric Ireland. 

Budget offers comparable tariffs for both bill-paying and keypad customers, which are priced differently depending on payment options (monthly direct debit, or no direct debit) and whether you're on an Economy 7 meter.

Budget energy offers a £100 cash incentive to customers thinking of switching to its keypad budget advantage tariff.

The energy provider has an app that should making checking your readings and paying your meter easier. It also offers to loan customers £5 credit until their next top-up. 

Pros: Customers are satisfied with its value for money

Cons: There's a £150 security deposit if you don't pay your bills by direct debit, plus limited website and online facilities

Budget Energy electricity sources