When it comes to paying your energy bills in Northern Ireland, it’s easy to assume that the amount you’re charged is simply the price for the electricity you use. However, beyond the amount of electricity you use, lie a range of hidden charges from various regulatory bodies and operators. These include SONI, NIE, SEMO and OFGEM (we will explain who these are below) and the charges contribute significantly to your bill each month.

At Share Energy, we believe in transparency, fairness and community. We want to shed light on these charges, which are often overlooked, and explain exactly how they impact you as a consumer.

SONI – System Operator for Northern Ireland

SONI manages the electricity grid in Northern Ireland, ensuring that power flows smoothly across the region. This is a vital service and ensures our lights stay on, but it comes at a cost. There are operational and balancing charges that come with this service and ultimately, these are passed down to the consumer. These costs cover a variety of things from maintaining grid stability to importing electricity from nearby regions when local generation falls short.

NIE – Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

NIE is responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity throughout Northern Ireland. Part of your bill includes payment towards the upkeep of the physical infrastructure – pylons, substations and cables – that delivers electricity to your home. While essential, these charges often go unnoticed by consumers and yet they are a significant part of your overall bill.

SEMO – Single Electricity Market Operator

SEMO oversees the all-island electricity market, covering both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Its role is to manage the wholesale trading of electricity across the island, ensuring supply meets demand. While SEMO works behind the scenes, consumers indirectly pay for the market’s operation through fees included in their energy bills. These charges ensure that electricity suppliers like Share Energy can source power at competitive rates, though they add an extra layer of cost that consumers may not be aware of.

OFGEM – Office of Gas and Electricity Markets

Although OFGEM primarily operates in Great Britain, its regulatory oversight impacts Northern Ireland indirectly. OFGEM’s policies and market regulations often set the tone for broader energy policy across the UK. These can include environmental levies or compliance costs that trickle down to Northern Ireland, further increasing energy costs for consumers.