Changes to energy prices in Northern Ireland were announced following a review by the Utility Regulator. SSE Airtricity confirmed an 8.47% decrease in gas prices for customers in Greater Belfast and surrounding areas, resulting in an approximate annual savings of £94 for typical households. This reduction is set to take effect on October 1.
In contrast, Power NI, which is the largest energy supplier in Northern Ireland, will increase its electricity tariff by 4% for all customers. This increase is the second implemented by Power NI within a year and will result in roughly £40 additional cost per year for customers using credit meters, and about £39 for those on pay-as-you-go meters.
The tariff changes were influenced by the Utility Regulator’s review of regulated prices for multiple energy suppliers, including SSE Airtricity Gas Supply and Firmus Energy. Firmus Energy also announced a nearly 8% decrease in its gas prices for its Ten Towns area, which encompasses multiple towns such as Antrim and Newry. This price adjustment would yield savings of about £78 annually for an average customer.
Power NI stated that their tariff increase was “unavoidable,” attributing it to ongoing high wholesale energy costs and rising regulated charges that are influenced by market conditions beyond their control. Despite stabilization in wholesale prices, they maintain that these costs remain elevated compared to prior years. The Consumer Council expressed support for SSE’s price reduction, noting that approximately 218,000 domestic and small business customers would benefit from this change.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c33rv41g2jgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss