firmus energy Announces 24.5% Gas Price Increase

firmus energy has announced a price hike of 24.5% for gas customers in Belfast, coming into effect from 01 July.

The latest price hike will apply to approximately 49,000 domestic and small business gas customers across Greater Belfast and means the annual gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £300 per year. Those customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £295 per year.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council said: "Every one of the frequent energy price increases has meant a growing number of people being really badly impacted and we know from working with consumers that many are having to choose specific days and times when they can heat their homes and put on their lights. High prices will make the coming winter miserable for many and life threatening for some without the introduction of significant support for consumers.

"These increases, mainly due to the sustained high price of wholesale gas, follow well-publicised rises in home heating oil, coal, electricity, grocery, and transport fuel costs. This is particularly bad news for consumers in vulnerable situations and low-income households. It also means a wider group of households than before are having their budgets stretched ever further.

"We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly for help and support. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and if possible, try to save money over the summer months to cover energy costs during the coming winter."

Raymond continued: "In the short term, the Consumer Council is working to protect consumers by encouraging Government to introduce financial support ahead of the coming winter and clarity is needed about if, how, and when the Chancellor's energy support package will be made available to people here. We appeal to the energy industry, to commit to continued financial support for a fuel hardship scheme for the year ahead.

"In the longer term, this situation shows the importance of the Department for the Economy's Energy Strategy Action Plan, that aims to tackle affordability and move Northern Ireland away from its dependence on fossil fuels."

firmus energy customers in the Ten Towns network area will not be impacted by this tariff change. The Consumer Council's website has a number of free resources to help consumers be more energy efficient at home, get the best from their electricity or gas supply and save money.

Consumers can also get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling Freephone 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.