NIE Energy announced yesterday that, from 3rd November 2009 the minimum top-up at Paypoint and Payzone will increase from £2 to £5. NIE Energy wants to ensure that all customers are made aware of this upcoming change so, from Thursday 1st October 2009 all receipts for Keypad Top Ups will contain a message to the customer advising "Please note from 3 Nov, minimum top-up at shops will be £5"
Using a Keypad has proved very popular in Northern Ireland, with over 230,000 households taking advantage of this service. Keypad customers get 2.5% discount off every unit of electricity they use and is a practical alternative for customers who would prefer to "Pay As You Go" and not worry about or deal with bills. With around 1,584 Paypoint and PayZone agent local shops across Northern Ireland, it is generally a convenient way for NIE Energy customers to pay in advance and plan their budget accordingly.
A letter will also be sent to all NIE Energy customers who regularly top up their keypad with less than £5.00, advising them of the impending change. Some 11,000 customers will fall into this category and they should expect to receive this letter outlining the increase on Tuesday 27th October 2009.
NIE Energy has cited a number of reasons for the change in minimum purchase. The Company feels that the previous minimum top-up of £2 was out of line with the industry standard and that the new £5 minimum threshold is now in line with other energy suppliers, such as Phoenix Natural Gas, and lower by some distance than the new £15 minimum top-up required of mobile phone users who top up by phone or over the internet.
From October it will also be possible to top up at the Post Office, thus offering greater flexibility to customers, in addition to top up services provided at Paypoint and Payzone shops, through the NIE Energy telephone top up service and the online service currently available.
In the letter informing customers of the increase NIE Energy also encourages customers to take advantage of the help it has on offer in the form of a Free Benefit Check. The 'For Your Benefit’ project is a scheme that provides free, confidential help and advice about benefit entitlements, as well as valuable energy efficiency advice on how to save money and energy. To date, the scheme has identified unclaimed benefits of an average of £33 per week. The scheme is funded by NIE and is delivered working in partnership with a number of agencies, including Citizens Advice Bureau.
NIE Energy is keen to hear of any customer’s difficulties or concerns regarding Keypad top-up and anyone experiencing problems should call the company's helpline on 08457 455 455 (which is open 8am-8pm on weekdays and from 9am to 1pm of Saturday) .
