Northern Ireland electricity guide
Doorstep or Phone Energy Offers in NI: Check Before You Agree
Published on 27 June 2026 by Wee Switch NI Team. Last reviewed 27 June 2026.
A practical checklist for Northern Ireland households when an electricity tariff offer comes by phone, doorstep, event stand or follow-up call.
A tariff offer can sound simple when it is explained over the phone, at the door or at a sales stand. Before you agree, slow the conversation down and turn the offer into written details you can compare: tariff name, unit rate, standing charge, payment method, billing method, contract term, exit fee, eligibility and any credit or reward conditions.
Do not compare on a headline discount alone. A discount only matters once you know the rate it applies to, whether it is fixed or variable, and whether it depends on Direct Debit, online billing, new-customer status or a minimum term.
That makes the table a useful price check, but not the whole decision. If the sales offer includes a credit or reward, compare the annual cost first, then read the conditions for when the credit is paid, whether you must stay for a fixed period, and whether an exit fee would undo the benefit.
If you agree and then spot a problem, cancel with the new supplier as soon as possible and keep proof of the date, time and method. Do not rely on a sales agent's verbal reassurance if the written contract, rate or payment method is not what you expected.
Some details, such as your MPRN, keypad reference, address, meter reading or Direct Debit information, may be needed to complete a switch. You do not need to hand them over just to understand an offer. Ask for the quote first, then decide whether you are actually proceeding.
Contact the supplier quickly and explain the mismatch. Keep the issue factual: what you were told, what the contract says, what outcome you want, and the evidence you have. If the problem is not resolved, the Consumer Council can give advice on energy complaints in Northern Ireland.
A doorstep or phone offer is only useful if it survives a written comparison. Get the exact tariff details, check the Consumer Council table, protect your account information, and use the cooling-off period promptly if the deal is not what you expected.
Know the protection that applies
Ask for the actual tariff details
Compare it against the live table
How this guide is reviewed
This guide is reviewed for Northern Ireland relevance, current supplier status, and tariff-sensitive claims. Tariff figures should be checked against the latest Consumer Council NI source before publication.