Utility Debt
A utility debt is where you have arrears or missed payments on your telephone, electricity, gas, or oil bill. When you receive a bill, check that it is not estimated and that the amount of usage seems correct. If you think the bill is wrong contact the company to investigate your query. The Consumer Council can help you deal with a utility complaint.
All utility providers have a set of codes of practice that will inform you and the supplier of your rights and responsibilities. Most of the providers offer discounts depending on how you make your payments. Contact your nearest advice centre if you need help dealing with utility debt or check out the Debt Action NI website.
The main utility providers in Northern Ireland are:
British Telecom and NTL
Both British Telecom and NTL are regulated by The Office of Telecommunications (OFTEL). They deal with arrears on an individual basis and will consider the history of payment and the outstanding balance. The Codes of Practice explain how BT and NTL will behave in certain situations.
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) offer a Special Needs Service to people with a disability and those over 60. They also offer discounted rates for people buying their electricity through the Home Energy Pay As you Go scheme. (NIE) is regulated by the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas (OFREG).
Phoenix Gas provide information on how to use gas safely and efficiently, and offer free gas safety checks. Phoenix Gas are regulated by the Office for Regulation of Electricity and Gas (OFREG)
You are required by law to have a t.v license if you use a t.v or any other device to record a t.v programme for example a VCR or DVD Player. T.V license concessions are available for some individuals.
Other useful details/Contacts
OFGEM – Regulator for British Gas and Electricity Industries
OFREG – Regulator for Electricity and Gas
OFCOM –Independent Regulator and Competition Authority for the UK Communications Industries
Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER)
The Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre offers free and impartial advice and support on energy efficiency, renewable energy and low carbon transport, to all householders in Northern Ireland via a freephone 0800 512 012. To find out how you can make your home energy efficient you can also complete a FREE Home Energy Check online.
NEA - Northern Ireland (The Fuel Poverty Charity)
Consumer Council for Northern Ireland
Advice NI is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (NI071966) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue