Get to know the people behind Share Energy — and hear what they really think about the energy market, electricity bills, and how we can all do things better.

Meet the person behind the power

Who are you and what do you do at Share Energy?

I am Andrew Crozier, I am the Chief Operating Officer here at Share Energy.

Let’s talk energy – real talk

What shocked you most about the energy market in Northern Ireland when you joined Share?

I have recently returned from Australia where I worked for an Energy Supplier based in Tasmania. What has shocked me most about the Northern Irish market is the lack of progress on implementing smart meters for customers here.

Smart meters are a very powerful tool that can have a big positive impact on customers. With a smart meter you don’t need to worry about providing a meter read, reducing the burden on a customer to provide information each month and eradicating the need for estimated bills that can cause customers to be paying more than they need. They also provide the ability for Share to deliver meaningful insights to customers on their energy usage, putting the information they need to make positive energy choices in their hands.

Smart meters are already rolled out in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Not having them in Northern Ireland is disgraceful as the people here deserve access to the same standard of technology and capability as everyone else across the British Isles.

What do you wish more people understood about how their electricity bills are calculated?

A lot of people don’t realise that only a portion of your electricity bill is for the electricity you actually use. In Northern Ireland, around 60% or more of your bill goes toward non-energy costs, especially transmission and distribution charges — the cost of getting electricity from the power station to your plug.

This covers things like maintaining the poles, cables, substations, and paying for system operators like SONI and NIE Networks. It’s the national infrastructure that keeps your power flowing — and everyone pays for it, regardless of supplier.

At Share Energy, that’s exactly why we pass through the daily standing charge exactly as it is — so you can see clearly what’s going toward transmission and distribution. We don’t add any commission or markup on these charges. You get total transparency and only pay what’s fair — because that’s how it should be.

TOU (Time-of-Use) tariffs: helpful or headache? What should people know?

If you have a flat rate tariff the only way you can reduce your energy costs is by using less energy.

With a time-of-use tariff, you can make smart decisions on when you use energy and save money.

Time of use tariffs put the power in your hands to reduce your costs, without having to choose between a tumble dry or a home-cooked pie.

How do you think Share Energy is pushing for meaningful change in the industry?

We are standing up for all Northern Irish energy users where it matters, ensuring that where change isn’t happening fast enough, or where customers are getting a raw deal, we call it out. We will use our voice to make sure people understand the impact of change on them and to use our expert industry knowledge to shout from the roof tops when we see something happening that isn’t in the best interests of the customer. We have no vested interests or entrenched positions because we are new, we will be using this as our superpower for good!

What would you say to someone who thinks switching energy suppliers is too much hassle?

You can complete your switch online in the time it takes you to make a cup of tea. Our online form is very simple and straightforward.

Energy costs will be one of the biggest outlays in your house each month. Getting the best deal can have a real impact on your monthly finances.

Take 5 minutes to switch to Share and from the moment you switch, every cup of tea you make will cost you less.

There is no hassle and a lot of upside.

Myths, Misconceptions & Mic-Drop Moments

What’s the biggest myth about electricity bills you wish people would stop believing?

Myth: “All energy suppliers are basically the same — it doesn’t really matter who I’m with.”

Truth: That one’s a killer — and it’s just not true. The reality is, while the electricity coming into your home is the same, what you pay, how you're treated, and what your money supports can be wildly different.

At Share Energy, for example, we don’t just charge the lowest standard rate in Northern Ireland — we share 50% of our profits with customers, don’t lock anyone into contracts, and we’re 100% locally owned. So your bill isn’t just keeping the lights on — it’s helping your community thrive.

Choosing your supplier does matter. Because price is only part of the story — values and transparency count, too.

What’s a piece of energy-saving advice that’s actually useful (and not just turning off the lights)?

Most people assume washing by hand saves energy, but it’s actually the opposite when you do it the typical way — especially with hot water.

Why it works:
Modern dishwashers use as little as 10–12 litres of water per cycle, while hand washing can use 40–60 litres — and heating that water accounts for a big chunk of your energy bill.

Bonus tip:
Skip the pre-rinse — today's dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle grime. Just scrape food into the bin and load!

Are people being overcharged — or just under-informed?

Generally, people in Northern Ireland are definitely being overcharged. Some electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland have particularly high prices. These suppliers lure their customers in with gimmicks, cheaper contracts with price surges at the end of the term, and ‘offers’ that cost the consumer money in the long run. However, customers tend to fall victim to these gimmicks because they aren’t arming themselves with the facts they need to make informed choices. I always refer potential customers to the Consumer Council’s energy price comparison tool. This fantastic online resource offers consumers an impartial view of the energy tariffs available in Northern Ireland. When consumers use these resources, they can find a fair deal and save themselves lots of money.

The Share Way

What makes Share Energy different in your opinion — beyond the low rates?

Share Energy is an energy supplier owned and operated by local people who are passionate about their community. I’m part of a small team that genuinely wants to make a difference and help people manage their homes and budgets. While the low rates are central to our ethos, we are so much more than NI’s cheapest energy supplier. Our investment in local community groups, sports teams, and food banks speaks to our desire to help people beyond their electricity bills. Furthermore, we are passionate about providing a greener future for the next generation and beyond. Over 50% of our electricity mix comes from renewable energy sources, this will only increase over time. We intend to grow in a sustainable and structured way to ensure our customer remains the focus, and as always, when we make a profit, we’ll share it with the customer. Not many energy suppliers can say that!

A Bit About You

What do you get up to when you're not powering up homes and ideas?

When I am not at work I am either taking my dog, Bonnie, for a long walk to try and tire her out, seeking an excuse to fire up my barbecue, or playing the role of referee in whatever argument my two daughters (aged 12 and 13) are having at any given moment.

Tea or coffee? Early bird or night owl? Most controversial pizza topping?

I am a one coffee in the morning and decaf tea for the rest of the day kind of guy. If I was king of the world, people who put pineapple on a pizza would be sent to jail. I am 100% an anchovy and mushroom fan on pizza.

Finish this sentence: “To me, Share Energy means…”

“To me, Share Energy means fair pricing, local people, and an energy company that actually puts customers first — not just in words, but in how it works.”