Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has announced the freezing of electricity tariffs for the second year running.

NIE say that taking inflation into account the price freeze amounts to a price reduction of 2.1% in real terms - a saving of around £8 a year for the average consumer.

Also announced from April 1, were new discount arrangements that include a 2.5% reduction for customers who 'pay-as-they-go' for their electricity using a keypad meter – saving an estimated £10 per year.

The keypad technology is similar to buying credit for a mobile phone, though it uses a keypad installed in the customers home. The customer buys credit in any whole pound amount from £2 to £175 from a retailer such as a shop or garage, or by ringing a keypad helpline and using a bank or credit card to buy electricity.

An advantage of the system, UK and Ireland first, is that the consumer can see not only how much credit remains, but can also use the system to track their consumption from the keypad's easily read display.

The discount for customers who pay by direct debit has also been increased to 4%, giving a saving of up to £28 per domestic consumer, while business users billed quarterly will also receive a 4% discount.

Customers seeking further information on keypad meters, direct debit and other discount plans should contact NIE on 08457 455 455.

(GMcG)