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24/08/2005
Help The Aged hit out at gas price hike
Help the Aged today called on the government to intervene to prevent Phoenix Natural Gas from increasing its prices by 25% in Northern Ireland.
Phoenix confirmed on Monday that it wanted to increase its bills in the autumn because of the increase in high global energy prices as well as the rise in price of home heating oil.
Help The Aged Head of Policy, Communication and Research, Duane Farrell said: “The untimely announcement by Phoenix Gas will come as a bitter blow to older customers whose every last penny is already stretched to the limit. Over 83% of pensioners in Northern Ireland feel that there income is not enough to provide their basic needs.
"It is a fact that over half of all pensioners in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty. How on earth are older people supposed to cope with these latest price increases especially as they come hot on the heel of rising oil, coal and electricity bills?"
In response, Pheonix said it was in negotiation with the industry regulator, Ofreg, and the General Consumer Council over the rise.
Company spokesman Richard Rogers said: "It is important that it (Pheonix price rise) is put in the context of our main competitor which would be heating oil.
"Here we are in Belfast today where heating oil if 50% up from this time last year and double the price of this time two years ago."
Meanwhile, the General Consumer Council has said that some householders who pay their bills by direct debit have received invoices asking for hundreds of pounds.
The money has to be paid to make up the difference between the amount they pay in monthly instalments and the actual cost of their annual gas bill.
The council said it would like to see Phoenix issue bills more frequently.
(MB/SP)
Phoenix confirmed on Monday that it wanted to increase its bills in the autumn because of the increase in high global energy prices as well as the rise in price of home heating oil.
Help The Aged Head of Policy, Communication and Research, Duane Farrell said: “The untimely announcement by Phoenix Gas will come as a bitter blow to older customers whose every last penny is already stretched to the limit. Over 83% of pensioners in Northern Ireland feel that there income is not enough to provide their basic needs.
"It is a fact that over half of all pensioners in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty. How on earth are older people supposed to cope with these latest price increases especially as they come hot on the heel of rising oil, coal and electricity bills?"
In response, Pheonix said it was in negotiation with the industry regulator, Ofreg, and the General Consumer Council over the rise.
Company spokesman Richard Rogers said: "It is important that it (Pheonix price rise) is put in the context of our main competitor which would be heating oil.
"Here we are in Belfast today where heating oil if 50% up from this time last year and double the price of this time two years ago."
Meanwhile, the General Consumer Council has said that some householders who pay their bills by direct debit have received invoices asking for hundreds of pounds.
The money has to be paid to make up the difference between the amount they pay in monthly instalments and the actual cost of their annual gas bill.
The council said it would like to see Phoenix issue bills more frequently.
(MB/SP)
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08 April 2004
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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
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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.
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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.
30 September 2003
General Consumer Council attacks gas price hike
The General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland has voiced its disapproval at plans by Phoenix Natural Gas to raise domestic and business prices for its customers. The gas firm announced on Tuesday that it is to increase its gas prices from 1 October by an average of 10.8%.
General Consumer Council attacks gas price hike
The General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland has voiced its disapproval at plans by Phoenix Natural Gas to raise domestic and business prices for its customers. The gas firm announced on Tuesday that it is to increase its gas prices from 1 October by an average of 10.8%.
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.
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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.
