SSE Airtricity has today announced its highest gas price rise in over 10 years in Northern Ireland.
The increase of 39% will be effective from Friday, April 1, and is set to impact around 186,000 gas customers throughout Northern Ireland. It's the energy company's biggest rise in gas prices in their network since May 2011.
It means the yearly gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £244 per year, while those with a prepayment gas meter will see their typical costs increase by around £241 per year.
Read more: Expert explains how to keep petrol and diesel costs down as prices rise in NI
Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council, said large price hikes such as this "makes budgeting extremely difficult for consumers".
He added: “SSE Airtricity has been absorbing higher commodity gas prices for a number of months and has no option now but to pass increased wholesale costs onto its customers.
"This increase follows price rises in the Ten Towns gas network last month, increased grocery costs, increased home heating oil prices and increased fuel costs. Therefore, many household purse strings are being stretched to the absolute limit.
“The invasion of Ukraine will increase the pressure on gas and oil supply, which in turn will push up costs. As a result, energy prices could be volatile for a number of weeks and will remain high for the foreseeable future.
"This situation shows the importance of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy that aims to tackle affordability in the long term and move us away from our dependence on fossil fuels.
“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 or changing billing method.”
Raymond continued: “We welcome the support SSE Airtricity has in place for vulnerable customers. However, it is clear that all energy industry stakeholders including Government policy makers, the Utility Regulator, companies, charities and the Consumer Council must continue to work together to develop sustainable solutions to help support those in need as the problem of high fuel prices will be with us for some time.”
The Consumer Council is hosting Northern Ireland Consumer Week from March 7 to March 11, to provide consumers with advice and information to support them with the current cost of living.
On Wednesday March 9 there will be a Facebook Live to help consumers be more energy efficient at home, get the best from their electricity or gas supply and save money. For more information visit www.niconsumerweek.co.uk .
Consumers can also get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling Freephone 0800 121 6022, emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk or visiting www.consumercouncil.org.uk .
Read more: NI Minister confirms who is eligible for £200 Energy Payment
Read more: Derry council backs 'Wealth Tax' to combat cost of living rise
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
