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Power NI is the biggest electricity retailer in Northern Ireland, and has been running for more than 80 years. We reveal whether it's any good.
Tom Morgan
In this article
Power NI is part of Energia Group, an Ireland-based energy company that generates power in coal and gas-fired power stations, plus wind farms. The company, which has supplied electricity in Northern Ireland for over 80 years, serves more than 500,000 customers. Note that Power NI doesn't supply gas at this time.
The energy supplier has maintained a lot of its market share since competition was introduced from energy companies such as Budget Energy and SSE Airtricity. According to the group's website, Power NI is currently fulfilling 62% of the domestic market’s electricity needs and 48% of the commercial market.
Power NI is convinced that it offers ‘excellent customer service’, claiming that unlike other suppliers, it doesn't lock customers into a fixed contract. It also promises that its users won't be stung by hidden fees.
The company says it's committed to community work, supporting local organisations and charities.
Power NI customer score
After quizzing over 8,000 survey respondents, we saw Power NI place second out of six energy companies in Northern Ireland for customer score. The supplier scored 67% – only Firmus Energy scored higher.
Excellent service, no problems.
Power NI customer
I have never had any problems with my energy provider. Bills are always transparent and easily understood.
Power NI customer
Power NI score breakdown
The graphic below shows the breakdown of Power NI's score from our survey.
Power NI's customer score is solid – it sits in second place in our table of six Northern Ireland energy firms. In fact, there's just a 1% difference in customer score between Power NI and Firmus Energy, the only provider above it.
Judging by the results of our survey, most Power NI customers are satisfied with the accuracy of their bills. Based on survey feedback from 190 Power NI customers, the energy supplier scored four stars in this category.
The bill is always accurate.
Power NI customer
I've never noticed any discrepancies.
Power NI customer
However, the energy supplier scored three stars for bill clarity, suggesting there's still room for improvement when it comes to communication with customers. Some respondents described their bills as 'confusing' or 'complicated'.
In our latest Which? customer satisfaction survey, Power NI got three stars out of five for customer service, dealing with complaints and overall value for money.
Responses were fairly mixed on the subject of costs – while some customers praised 'competitive pricing', others told us their plan is 'too expensive'. Power NI offers a choice of tariffs, including online-only tariffs and monthly or quarterly direct debit bills.
It's too expensive.
Power NI customer
Five stars for value for money because they're competitive on pricing.
Power NI customer
Power NI has a customer reward scheme called Perks, which offers cashback and year-round discounts with certain brands. Included in the scheme are big-name retailers including Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury's and Currys PC World. Registering online is free, although you'll need to enter your Power NI account number to get started.
To help customers potentially save some money, Power NI offers a free home energy check. By using the group's energy calculator online, you'll receive a free energy report on your home.
Energy Online is the name of the company's direct debit billing option, which allows you to manage and monitor your bills from your PC.
Pros: Majority of customers happy with bill accuracy, offers a variety of tariffs, customer rewards scheme
Cons: Only provides electricity, some customers are unhappy with complicated bills
Power NI electricity sources
Power NI in the news
Power NI in 2020
May: Power NI announced it was cutting domestic prices by 4.8%, equal to a saving of 'nearly £30 a year for the typical household'. Power NI’s Managing Director, Stephen McCully said: "From 1 July, our customers will be paying significantly less than households in the Republic of Ireland; GB and across Europe."
Power NI in 2019
October: Power NI announced it would raise electricity prices by 6.1% from 1 October. This added around £35 a year to the average customer's bill.
