NIE Energy ‘Fuel Mix’ Information
What is ‘fuel mix’?
Electricity suppliers are required to provide their customers with information about which fuels are used to generate the electricity that they use. This information, which is called the fuel mix, will appear as a summary table with electricity bills.
The breakdown of coal, natural gas, oil, peat, nuclear, and renewables must be provided as well as other environmental information related to the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the electricity.
Why do we need to know about the fuel mix of electricity?
Fuel mix information has been described as the "nutrition label" for electricity. It can help customers to understand more about their electricity supply and its environmental impact.
How is fuel mix calculated?
The energy regulators on the island of Ireland have introduced an interim method of calculating the fuel mix figures.
The majority of electricity generated is sold into a central ‘pool’ which all suppliers must buy their electricity from. For the purposes of calculating fuel mix information for each supplier, specific contractual arrangements for renewable generation sources allow suppliers to claim higher level of renewable generation. The remainder of electricity in the pool (the residual) is then allocated to suppliers on a proportional basis. The Regulators oversee these calculations.
How do customers receive the fuel mix information?
NIE Energy will publish information on its website for any customer to access. For customers who receive a regular bill, fuel mix information will be included with that. NIE Energy’s keypad customers will receive fuel mix information annually.
Will customers be able to tell exactly where my electricity is coming from?
Customers won’t be able to tell exactly where their electricity is coming from because everyone is served through the same electricity network. However a customer on the Eco Energy tariff can be assured that NIE Energy will match their annual consumption with an equivalent sourced amount of renewable generation.
How often will the fuel mix information be updated?
The fuel mix information will be updated annually.
What will the information look like on my bill?
NIE Energy customers will see a table printed on the back of their bill.