28% Puzzled by NI Power Market

Almost three out of ten customers are confused about who does what in the electricity market reveals Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks).

Thursday 12 November 2015

Almost three out of ten customers are confused about who does what in the electricity market reveals Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks).

A snapshot survey carried out over the summer shows that out of 900 emails and phone calls, 250 customers were contacting the wrong company. Many people are unsure when to contact the network company and when to contact their electricity supplier.

From today the company, formerly known as just Northern Ireland Electricity or NIE, has added ‘Networks’ into its name to remind customers that its role in the electricity market is to look after the grid and transport power from where it is made to where it is used.

NIE Networks is responsible for keeping the 46,000 kilometres of overhead line and underground cable in good working order, fixing them when there is a problem, connecting customers and reading and installing meters.

Sara McClintock, Communications Manager at NIE Networks explains, “We know that there is nothing more frustrating than being told ‘we can’t deal with your query, you need to speak to someone else’ which is why we are trying to clarify the difference between NIE Networks and electricity suppliers. Electricity suppliers are the companies which bill you for your energy usage.

“If there is a power cut, it’s our job at NIE Networks to fix it. We want to make this process as simple as possible for homeowners and businesses and that starts with the first contact online or over the phone.”

Richard Williams, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council said “We welcome the change in name from Northern Ireland Electricity to NIE Networks. From speaking to consumers we know it is easy to confuse the role of the network operator and the electricity supply companies.

The NIE Networks brand makes it clearer who owns and manages the electricity network system which distributes electricity to homes and businesses across Northern Ireland. This name change should help consumers better understand that they should contact NIE Networks when they experience a power cut or power failure.”

For more information visit nienetworks.co.uk

Thursday 12 November 2015