02/04/2004
Minister to meet Phoenix Gas over price hike
Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson is planning to meet Phoenix Natural Gas and Centrica next week to press them for a rethink on gas price increases.
The Minister met yesterday with the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) to discuss their report on the circumstances surrounding the price increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas.
It follows the Phoenix's decision to raise its prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%.
Mr Pearson said: “Last week I asked for an urgent report from NIAER into the circumstances behind the price increase announced by Phoenix. NIAER advised me yesterday that more work needs to be carried out and they will be requesting information from Phoenix and Centrica. I remain deeply concerned about the effect that this decision will have on the long term future of the gas market."
Mr Pearson said that next week's meeting would enable him to press Phoenix into a rethink and to create a window of opportunity within which all issues facing the gas industry can be addressed."
Phoenix Gas has blamed its supplier, British Gas Trading (BGT), for the increase, which will see customers paying an extra £1.36 a week on average.
However, East Belfast MLA, Sir Reg Empey said the company had to take some responsibility for the increase.
"While I fully accept that Phoenix Gas are not solely to blame because their supplier has put up their wholesale price, the situation remains urgent and we require action to be taken," he added.
(MB)
The Minister met yesterday with the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) to discuss their report on the circumstances surrounding the price increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas.
It follows the Phoenix's decision to raise its prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%.
Mr Pearson said: “Last week I asked for an urgent report from NIAER into the circumstances behind the price increase announced by Phoenix. NIAER advised me yesterday that more work needs to be carried out and they will be requesting information from Phoenix and Centrica. I remain deeply concerned about the effect that this decision will have on the long term future of the gas market."
Mr Pearson said that next week's meeting would enable him to press Phoenix into a rethink and to create a window of opportunity within which all issues facing the gas industry can be addressed."
Phoenix Gas has blamed its supplier, British Gas Trading (BGT), for the increase, which will see customers paying an extra £1.36 a week on average.
However, East Belfast MLA, Sir Reg Empey said the company had to take some responsibility for the increase.
"While I fully accept that Phoenix Gas are not solely to blame because their supplier has put up their wholesale price, the situation remains urgent and we require action to be taken," he added.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 April 2004
Phoenix Gas suspend gas price increase
Phoenix Natural Gas has agreed to suspend a proposed 20% gas price increase following a meeting with the Government today.
Phoenix Gas suspend gas price increase
Phoenix Natural Gas has agreed to suspend a proposed 20% gas price increase following a meeting with the Government today.
16 July 2004
Phoenix Gas price increase cancelled
Phoenix Natural Gas has today cancelled its proposed 20% consumer price rise, after reaching an agreement with its supplier Centrica. The hike was announced in March but was suspended following pressure from local politicians and government.
Phoenix Gas price increase cancelled
Phoenix Natural Gas has today cancelled its proposed 20% consumer price rise, after reaching an agreement with its supplier Centrica. The hike was announced in March but was suspended following pressure from local politicians and government.
26 March 2004
Minister steps into Gas hike row
Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson has expressed deep concern over proposed gas price increases in Northern Ireland. The Minister's statement follows last week's announcement by Phoenix Gas to raise its prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%.
Minister steps into Gas hike row
Enterprise Minister Ian Pearson has expressed deep concern over proposed gas price increases in Northern Ireland. The Minister's statement follows last week's announcement by Phoenix Gas to raise its prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%.
27 September 2006
Phoenix Gas announces price rise
Phoenix Gas has today announced that it is to increase prices by 14.5% commencing on October 1 2006. This is the third time this year in which Phoenix Gas have raised costs. The average annual household bill is now expected to rise by £77 extra per year.
Phoenix Gas announces price rise
Phoenix Gas has today announced that it is to increase prices by 14.5% commencing on October 1 2006. This is the third time this year in which Phoenix Gas have raised costs. The average annual household bill is now expected to rise by £77 extra per year.
19 March 2004
Pheonix Gas criticised for price hike
Phoenix Natural Gas has confirmed it is to raise prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%. The gas giant blamed its supplier, British Gas Trading (BGT), for the increase which will see customers paying an extra £1.36 a week on average.
Pheonix Gas criticised for price hike
Phoenix Natural Gas has confirmed it is to raise prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%. The gas giant blamed its supplier, British Gas Trading (BGT), for the increase which will see customers paying an extra £1.36 a week on average.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.