SSE Airtricity: Northern Ireland faces gas and electricity hike
Last updated 26th Aug 2022
SSE Airtricity customers in Northern Ireland are facing further price hikes in their electricity and gas bills.
It is after the energy company announced 28.4% price increase for gas and 35.5% rise in electricity, both effective from October 1.
The Consumer Council said this would impact around 188,000 domestic gas customers throughout the Greater Belfast and West gas networks, and about 4,600 commercial customers.
And it will mean the yearly gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £351 per year. Those customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £348 per year.
With regard to electricity, the Consumer Council said this would see bills for an average household increase to around £1,356 per year.
Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council said: “We are facing into a very serious crisis this winter and I am angry and fearful on behalf of Northern Ireland consumers.
"Already many of our households are at the brink. This announcement means consumers in Belfast face combined annual gas and electricity bills in excess of £2,500 a year, with further price increases to come.
"This is a global problem, the price of the gas we import is outside the control of local companies, but consumers require a lot more local support than has been offered to date.
"The £400 Energy Support Scheme promised to all households in NI by the Chancellor will be a help, but it will not be nearly enough as a typical gas consuming household will be paying out over £1,000 more for energy this winter than last.
“We encourage anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help and information. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and, if you can, put some extra money aside for energy costs this winter.”
In a statement Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity General Manager (NI) said the war in Ukraine was having an impact.:
“Unfortunately, the global energy picture continues to deteriorate, and this is not the news we want to be giving our customers," he added
". The war in Ukraine is significantly impacting wholesale gas markets in the UK and EU with the cost of purchasing gas remaining stubbornly higher than previous years, affecting energy suppliers across Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
“We know energy prices remain a priority concern across Northern Ireland, especially as colder weather is approaching. We would encourage any customer who is concerned or having difficulty with their energy costs to please contact us, and we will work with you to find a solution together. In the meantime, we will continue to watch markets closely. While it is difficult to know when wholesale prices will improve, we will pass on any reductions as soon as it is possible to do so.”