Four major energy price increases that were announced earlier this year will come into effect from July 1.
These increases, some exceeding a 42% hike, will impact more than half of Northern Ireland’s households. The Consumer Council is calling on the Chancellor to make clear what support is available with fears that families will continue to struggle to make ends meet.
Bill pay consumers have been urged to submit meter readings using their suppliers’ online or automated service to avoid any estimated bills.
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From today, July 1 2022, the following increasing will begin:
- SSE Airtricity is increasing gas prices by 42.7% in Greater Belfast
- Firmus Energy is increasing has prices by 24.5% in Greater Belfast
- Power NI is increasing electricity prices by 27.5% across Northern Ireland
- Click Energy is increasing electricity prices by 11% across Northern Ireland
Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and sustainability at the Consumer Council said: "At the Consumer Council we speak to consumers every day who are upset and worried about the winter ahead. We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help with payment plans for bill pay / direct debit and prepayment meters.
"We also encourage bill pay consumers to submit your meter reading using your suppliers’ online or automated service to avoid any estimated bills. Also, we would ask consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and, if possible, try to save over the summer months to cover energy costs during winter 2022-23.
"The financial support announced by the Chancellor will help pensioners, people with disabilities, and those on qualifying benefits. We know people are desperate for that support and we would ask those who will receive these funds, if you can, plan for heating your home this winter when deciding how to use the money you receive in July.
"There is also an urgent need for clarity on, if, how, and when the Chancellor’s £400 energy support package will be made available everyone in Northern Ireland."
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