Gas customers in NI warned of further price increases
It comes as the Utility Regulator reviews tariffs
Gas customers in Northern Ireland are being warned to expect more price rises in the near future.
The warning comes from the Utility Regulator, which is reviewing tariffs for suppliers SSE Airtricity Gas Supply and Firmus Energy.
Wholesale gas prices are being blamed, with Utility Regulator Chief Executive, John French saying, “Unfortunately, these increases in wholesale gas price increases will have an impact on consumers in Northern Ireland, as wholesale energy costs now make up three quarters of consumers’ bills.”
“Therefore, there will be increases in the regulated gas tariffs (SSE Airtricity Gas supply and Firmus Energy) in Northern Ireland. These increases will be announced in the coming weeks, once our reviews have been completed. At this stage, we are reviewing regulated gas tariffs only, and are keeping the situation on regulated electricity tariffs under review.”
The news comes the same day that Inflation’s hit double figures; soaring to a new 40 year high of 10.1%.
It means that, yet again, we're paying more for things like food, clothes and other essentials.
Mr French continued, “In the middle of this current cost of living crisis, it gives me no pleasure to make this announcement. I recognise that the impact of these further price increases is another severe blow for consumers. While the underlying causes of these tariff increases are outside our control, we remain focused on doing whatever we can to support consumers in these desperate times.”
“Over the last week, I have met the Chancellor of the Exchequer and local ministers twice to work together to deliver the £400 of energy bill support scheme to every Northern Ireland household. The timely delivery of this support to local households is critical, and we continue to work with others to find a pragmatic and robust way of getting this money to consumers as soon as possible.”
“It is also incumbent on us as a regulator, and others across government and industry, to work together to support consumers as winter approaches. For that reason, I have invited government departments, energy suppliers and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland to meet to look urgently at other practical steps that can be taken to support consumers this winter.”
“Furthermore, we are using everything in our regulatory toolbox to support consumers. I will continue to remind energy suppliers of the need for a sympathetic approach to customers’ ability to pay, and of their obligations to avoid customer disconnections and consider other approaches to protecting people in debt.”
“Consumers who are worried about the impact of these higher prices should always contact their electricity or gas supplier in the first instance, to discuss the options available to them. In addition, there are also a number of agencies who can provide free and independent advice to households, including Advice NI, Christians Against Poverty, and Money and Pensions Service.”
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