1. ‘Switch and Save’ Central Housing Forum Meeting 11 th March 2015 Housing Executive HQ, Belfast Hannah Brown, Policy Officer (Energy) The Consumer Council

2. Energy Switch and Save talks The Consumer Council are putting together a programme to visit groups of domestic consumers who are interested in becoming more savvy about getting the best value from their energy provider. The information given is free and independent. We can tailor the format to suit different groups – we can do a workshop, short talk or just have a table at the meeting for people to come and talk to us.

3. Electricity and Gas Suppliers NI Currently there are 4 domestic electricity suppliers in NI There are two domestic natural gas suppliers in the Greater Belfast and Larne area. Currently firmus is the only domestic natural gas supplier available in the Ten Towns licence area. o In April 2015 the domestic and small business gas market in the “Ten Towns” licence area will open for competition.

4. Switching your electricity or gas supplier Switching your electricity and/or gas supplier may save you money and you may get a better service. No change to your meter or quality of supply. Hassle free – your new supplier takes care of any paperwork. You can switch as many times and whenever you wish. Even just changing your tariff, payment or billing method, or a combination of these with your current supplier can save you money.

5. Electricity and Gas Price Reductions Power NI, Budget Energy and SSE Airtricity have announced reductions to their electricity tariffs. SupplierPrice cutEffective from Power NI9.2%1 st April 2015 Budget Energy5%10 th March 2015 SSE Airtricity8%1 st April 2015 SSE Airtricity and firmus energy have announced reductions to their gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast and Larne area. SupplierPrice cutEffective from SSE Airtricity7.8%1 st April 2015 Firmus energy6.38%1 st April 2015

6. You’re protected All companies operating as electricity or gas suppliers must have a licence provided by the Utility Regulator. Codes of Practice (available on suppliers websties) set out by European law and enforced by the Utility Regulator:  Marketing and Sales  Complaints Handling  Payment of bills  Provision of services for persons who are of pensionable age, have disabilities or are chronically sick  Energy efficiency  Service for customers

7. Home Heating Oil Shop around Avoid using emergency oil drums Buy in larger quantities Oil buying clubs In the last 12 months the price of Home Heating Oil has decreased by 30%

8. Consumer Council Weekly Home Heating Oil Survey Consumer Council weekly Home Heating Oil Survey online http://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy/home-heating-oil/ 5 March 2015300 litres500 litres900 litres Average NI price £138.31£203.25£345.85 Cheapest£124.11£190.52£331.88 Most expensive £159.55£223.91£364.77

9. Consumer Council Energy Publications Switch on guides – Electricity and Gas – Home Heating Oil Electricity and Gas Price Comparison tables Weekly Home Heating Oil Survey

10. CCNI Contact Contact Richard Williams, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council if you would like us to give a ‘switch and save’ talk to your group: Email: richard.williams@consumercouncil.org.ukrichard.williams@consumercouncil.org.uk Tel: 028 9067 4804