Making the switch to electric driving? Congratulations on taking this exciting step towards cleaner, more cost-effective motoring. At Share Energy, we've helped hundreds of Northern Ireland drivers seamlessly transition to EV tariffs, and we're here to guide you through every step of the process.

Our specially designed EV tariffs don't just offer you significantly lower overnight charging rates; they're part of our commitment to making sustainable energy accessible and affordable for everyone. Let's walk through exactly how to get you set up and save money on your electric vehicle charging.

Step one: Understanding your electricity meter

The foundation of any good EV tariff is having the right electricity meter. Think of it as upgrading your home's energy system to work smarter, not harder.

You need a day/night meter. This clever piece of technology separately tracks your daytime and nighttime electricity consumption, unlocking access to those valuable lower overnight rates that make EV ownership so economical.

Not sure what meter you currently have? No problem at all, this is one of the most common questions we hear. Simply give our friendly team a call, and we'll quickly check your setup for you. Using your address or MPRN we can tell you what type of meter you have and whether you’re already good to go.

Need a new meter? Don't worry, we've got this covered. We'll coordinate everything with NIE Networks to get you upgraded at no cost to you for a standard replacement. It’s worth noting that there may be a charge from NIE if you've had a meter replacement within the last 12 months.#

Step two: Arranging your meter installation

When a meter change is needed, Share Energy takes care of all the coordination directly with NIE Networks. We know how valuable your time is, so we work around your schedule to find an appointment that suits you.

What to expect on installation day:

● A qualified NIE Networks engineer will visit your home

● The old meter is safely removed and your new time-of-use meter installed

● Everything is tested to ensure it's working perfectly

● You're ready to start benefiting from dual-rate pricing immediately

The best part? There's no charge for standard meter replacements, and our team keeps you fully informed about timing and what to expect, so there are never any surprises. This is unless you’ve already had a meter change within the last 12 months.

Step three: New Share Energy customers - the 18-day rule

If you're joining the Share Energy family for the first time, welcome aboard! There's just one industry-standard requirement we need to mention.

You'll need to wait 18 days after your Share Energy account becomes active before we can request your meter change. This might seem frustrating, but it's an important industry regulation that ensures your account is properly established in the national energy system.

During this time:

● Your energy supply continues as normal with no interruptions

● You're already saving with our competitive standard rates

● Our team is preparing everything for your meter change request

● As soon as the 18 days are up, we immediately submit your meter change request

The upside? This short wait ensures everything goes smoothly when your new meter is installed, and you'll be all set for those fantastic overnight EV charging rates.

Step four: Switching from another supplier? Smart planning saves time

Are you with another energy supplier and considering making the switch to Share Energy? You have options that can speed up your journey to EV tariff savings.

Option one: Change your meter first, then switch if your current supplier can arrange a day/night meter installation. Having this done before you join Share Energy means you can move straight onto an EV tariff without any waiting period. This is often the fastest route to start saving.

Option two: Prefer to join Share Energy first then change the meter? That's absolutely fine, just remember the 18-day waiting period will apply before we can request your meter change.

Not sure which route is best for you? Give us a call, and we'll assess your specific circumstances to recommend the approach that gets you saving on EV charging costs as quickly as possible.

Step five: Start enjoying the benefits of smart EV charging

Once the day/night meter is installed and your EV tariff is active, you'll immediately start benefiting from significantly reduced overnight electricity rates. This is where the real magic happens.

Your new charging routine:

● Plug in your EV when you get home in the evening

● Set your car to charge during overnight hours (typically 2am-9am in the Summer, and 1am-8am in the Winter)

● Wake up to a fully charged vehicle at a fraction of the cost of daytime rates

● Drive with confidence knowing you're maximising your savings

By charging overnight, you're also supporting Northern Ireland's energy grid efficiency and sustainable energy future. Off-peak charging helps balance electricity demand and makes better use of renewable energy sources like wind power, which often generates more electricity at night.

Why choose Share Energy for your EV journey?

At Share Energy, we're not just another energy supplier, we're your partners in making the transition to electric driving as smooth and rewarding as possible. We understand that switching to an EV represents a significant investment in your future and we're committed to ensuring you get maximum value from that investment.

Our dedicated customer service team has extensive experience with EV tariffs and meter installations. When questions arise, you'll speak with knowledgeable staff who understand both the technical aspects and the practical realities of EV ownership in Northern Ireland.

Ready to make the switch?

The journey to cheaper, cleaner EV charging starts with a simple conversation. Our team is ready to check your current meter setup, explain your options, and guide you through whichever path makes most sense for your situation.

Contact Share Energy to discuss your EV tariff options and begin your journey to smarter, more affordable electric vehicle charging. Your wallet - and the environment - will thank you for making the switch.