Cheapest keypad electricity in Northern Ireland
Every electricity supplier for NI homes has keypad (pay as you go) tariffs, and the prices differ. Here's how to find the cheapest one for what you actually top up.
Who offers keypad electricity in Northern Ireland?
All five electricity suppliers for NI homes have keypad tariffs: Budget Energy, Click Energy, Power NI, Share Energy and SSE Airtricity. Several also have keypad tariffs for Economy 7 (night rate) meters.
Compare the yearly cost, not just the unit rate
A keypad tariff has a price for each unit (kWh) you use and, on some tariffs, a daily standing charge. Some NI keypad tariffs have no standing charge and others do, so the lowest unit rate isn't always the cheapest overall.
Some keypad deals also come with a discount or a welcome credit, often for new customers only. Our comparison adds all of this up over a year for your usage, cheapest first.
Don't know your usage? Use what you top up
In the comparison, choose "I know what I spend" and tell us roughly what you top up each week or month, and which tariff you're on. We'll estimate how much electricity you use. Your supplier also sends keypad customers an annual statement showing your top-ups and usage for the last 12 months, which gives the most accurate figure.
If your top-ups include paying back debt or emergency credit, your real usage will be lower than your top-ups suggest.
Can I switch supplier with a keypad meter?
Yes. NIE Networks owns all electricity meters in Northern Ireland, including keypad meters, whichever supplier you buy from. Your new supplier will explain how topping up works after the switch.
If you're paying back money you owe through your keypad, talk to your current supplier before you switch and ask how it would be handled.
Struggling to top up?
Contact your supplier first. They should work with you on a repayment plan you can afford, give extra protection if you're of pensionable age, disabled or chronically ill, and give energy-saving advice. The Consumer Council lists other help and grants.
Questions, answered
Is keypad electricity dearer than Direct Debit?
It depends on the supplier. Some price their keypad tariffs close to their Direct Debit ones and some don't, so it's worth comparing both if you could pay either way.
Which keypad tariff is cheapest right now?
Prices change, so we don't name a winner here. Our comparison ranks the keypad tariffs we've checked for your usage, and shows the date each price was checked.
Can I get keypad on Economy 7?
Yes, several NI suppliers have keypad tariffs for Economy 7 (night rate) meters. Choose Economy 7 and Keypad in the comparison.
Sources
Facts checked 19 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm with the supplier.