The geographical alternative 028 8225 3253 for NIE's 08457 455 455 now is answered by a recorded message instructing callers to use the 0845 number. >:(

Is there a new geographical alternative, please?  

Unverified entries in the database give 028 9066 1100 for switchboard and:

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE)             0845 609 3030       028 2564 9765             Self Meter readings

Please let us know how you get on as it may help others.

NIE Energy formerly Northern Ireland Electricity has a taped message on this site's database geo number 82253253 directing callers back to the revenue sharing line 08457455455.
This is the customer accounts 'Helpline'. Given that 0845 calls on my mobile are charged at 40p min or £24/hour, one wonders just who it helps?
As many vulnerable people rely on mobiles, and electricity is an essential service, should there not be a geographical alternative?

paropilot wrote on Aug 26^th, 2009 at 11:42am:

NIE Energy formerly Northern Ireland Electricity has a taped message on this site's database geo number 82253253 directing callers back to the revenue sharing line 08457455455.

Thanks. I've removed this number from the database and put a link back to this thread for feedback for NIE.

As you can see, this was reported a couple of months back and I suggested that members might like to try 028 9066 1100 which was submitted which is currently not verified by us. According to Yell.com, this number is for NIE Powerteam Ltd, Fort William House, Edgewater Business Park, Edgewater Rd, Belfast, County Antrim BT3 9JQ.

Please us this thread to provide feedback on this or any other number that is a suitable alternative for NIE.

Yes, the substitute number 90661100 works fine. The address you quote is valid but if anyone else wants to join me in a letter of complaint, the registered office of NIE Energy is 120 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5HT.

paropilot wrote on Aug 26^th, 2009 at 4:07pm:

Yes, the substitute number 90661100 works fine. The address you quote is valid but if anyone else wants to join me in a letter of complaint, the registered office of NIE Energy is 120 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5HT.

Thanks. I've added this number to the SAYNOTO0870.COM database entry.

The registered address you've posted is the address of the parent company, Viridian Group, as shown on its contact page. Telephone number for it is 028 9066 8416.

Thanks, Dave.

:)

90661100 answered on Saturday morning by what sounded like security at Danesfort - was told that it cannot be connected to Customer Services (for bill payments, etc.)  >:( - maybe better during the week...

Bill_M wrote on Sep 5^th, 2009 at 9:41am:

90661100 answered on Saturday morning by what sounded like security at Danesfort - was told that it cannot be connected to Customer Services (for bill payments, etc.)  >:( - maybe better during the week...

Looking at pages with NIE's numbers on suggests that they may have numbers 028 9068 9xxx. Extensions are three digits as some answer with a voicemail system which identify that the xxx is the extension number.

028 9068 9188 goes straight to hold music...  :-?

Northern Ireland Electricity has a contract with SpeechStorm for its call centre:

http://www.speechstorm.com/AboutUs.aspx?id=34

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NIE has been using its 08457 numbers (formally 0345) for over 10 years now. The Internet Archive has a http://www.nie.co.uk/customer/index.htm]snapshot of its website from January 1997[/url] which shows enquiries was 0345 455455 and the service helpline was 0345 643643. These 0345 numbers were migrated to 08457 as part of Oftel's telephone numbering plan. Also, the number for other enquiries was 01232 661100 which is now 028 9066 1100 which is posted elsewhere in this thread.

When the 0845 (then 0345) numbers were introduced, they were local rate and national calls cost more. Indeed, the NIE page from 1997 states the number are charged at "local call rates from anywhere in Northern Ireland." Now they have a tendancy to disadvantage customers.

Maybe NIE would like to consider switching to new 03 numbers to reduce the cost of calls.

I was emailing them, and I needed to call to do what I needed, and when I asked for a non-geo, I was given the below, so at least they aren't obstructive like some companies.

"If you contact 028 9066 1100 the switchboard will transfer you directly to ourselves.

Please be aware the switchboard will be opened from 9am until 5pm Monday to Fridays."

Note that you need to call in office hours to get transferred to customer service.  I called, and the operator didn't blink an eye and transferred me into the Q.

Cheers, Des.

To back up the previous poster and as the originator of this thread I'd like to back up what Des G has said.

Today I rang the 028 9066 1100 number, asked for Customer Services, and got put straight through without any hesitation.

:)

Dusty Bin wrote on Mar 10^th, 2010 at 10:13am:

Today I rang the 028 9066 1100 number, asked for Customer Services, and got put straight through without any hesitation.

Thanks to DesG and DustyBin for the feedback. :)

To make it clear to callers and avoid potential embarrassment, I've added a note on this entry to say that it's switchboard and they will have to ask to be put through to customer services.