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16/08/2019
'Difficult Winter For Many' As Power NI Ups Prices
An SDLP councillor has warned that low income families will be forced into fuel poverty due to a price hike introduced by Power NI.
The energy provider will impose the 6% increase from the beginning of October, meaning the typical household customer can expect to be charged an extra £35 a year.
SDLP Councillor for west Belfast Brian Heading said the move will hurt families living on a low income. He said yesterday: "A 6% surge in electricity prices may seem modest to some, but for many households struggling to break even, it's a significant additional burden.
"The real threat here is that more families and vulnerable people in our communities will be forced into fuel poverty. While utility costs rise, many homes will not see a similar rise in their income, meaning that this will be a difficult winter for many."
Power NI said the rate change is due to an increase in costs from the electricity network provider and the market operator, which in turn impacts electricity suppliers.
Mr Heading also predicted that other energy companies will follow suit.
(JG/CM)
The energy provider will impose the 6% increase from the beginning of October, meaning the typical household customer can expect to be charged an extra £35 a year.
SDLP Councillor for west Belfast Brian Heading said the move will hurt families living on a low income. He said yesterday: "A 6% surge in electricity prices may seem modest to some, but for many households struggling to break even, it's a significant additional burden.
"The real threat here is that more families and vulnerable people in our communities will be forced into fuel poverty. While utility costs rise, many homes will not see a similar rise in their income, meaning that this will be a difficult winter for many."
Power NI said the rate change is due to an increase in costs from the electricity network provider and the market operator, which in turn impacts electricity suppliers.
Mr Heading also predicted that other energy companies will follow suit.
(JG/CM)
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