Menu
28/05/2008
'Powerful Shock' From NIE
A 'shock' increase in the price of power has left consumers 'feeling the heat' after confirmation that electricity prices are to rise by 14%.
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) confirmed today that the price increase would be implemented from July 1 while the company also warned a further price hike could be imminent in the autumn.
Like all the other providers - such as Phoenix Gas - NIE has blamed escalating worldwide wholesale fuel prices for the increase, which has been predicted for some time by experts.
A spokesperson for the energy provider claimed global factors had an impact on the decision: "We had hoped to hold our prices until later in the year, but wholesale gas, oil and coal prices have increased substantially in recent months," she said.
"Power station fuel costs, which are reflected in the cost of electricity, have increased by over 85% since we last reviewed our prices."
The dramatic rise comes on top of local gas consumers being hit by a recent 28% price hike. However, NIE Energy supplies 738,000 domestic and 48,000 business customers and is by far the largest power provider.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Consumer Council have criticised NIE's decision and called for assistance for Ulster's low income households.
Eleanor Gill, of the Consumer Council, said: "The sheer scale of these energy price increases should trigger an emergency financial package to help alleviate hardship in fuel poor households this winter.
"All possible ways of paying for this emergency fund must be urgently explored."
She added: "Consumers should make sure that they are receiving all payments they are entitled to, budget carefully and save money where they can and be as energy efficient as is healthily possible."
(BMcC)
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) confirmed today that the price increase would be implemented from July 1 while the company also warned a further price hike could be imminent in the autumn.
Like all the other providers - such as Phoenix Gas - NIE has blamed escalating worldwide wholesale fuel prices for the increase, which has been predicted for some time by experts.
A spokesperson for the energy provider claimed global factors had an impact on the decision: "We had hoped to hold our prices until later in the year, but wholesale gas, oil and coal prices have increased substantially in recent months," she said.
"Power station fuel costs, which are reflected in the cost of electricity, have increased by over 85% since we last reviewed our prices."
The dramatic rise comes on top of local gas consumers being hit by a recent 28% price hike. However, NIE Energy supplies 738,000 domestic and 48,000 business customers and is by far the largest power provider.
Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Consumer Council have criticised NIE's decision and called for assistance for Ulster's low income households.
Eleanor Gill, of the Consumer Council, said: "The sheer scale of these energy price increases should trigger an emergency financial package to help alleviate hardship in fuel poor households this winter.
"All possible ways of paying for this emergency fund must be urgently explored."
She added: "Consumers should make sure that they are receiving all payments they are entitled to, budget carefully and save money where they can and be as energy efficient as is healthily possible."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 April 2023
Energy Price Changes Advice Issued By Consumer Council
The Consumer Council has issued new advice for local consumers as energy price changes begin to come into effect. Electric Ireland, Power NI, Budget Energy and firmus energy have recently announced changes to their tariffs.
Energy Price Changes Advice Issued By Consumer Council
The Consumer Council has issued new advice for local consumers as energy price changes begin to come into effect. Electric Ireland, Power NI, Budget Energy and firmus energy have recently announced changes to their tariffs.
04 October 2022
'Disgrace' Households Have No Clarity Over Financial Support
The Alliance Party has said it is a "disgrace" households are still awaiting clarity about when they will receive financial support, despite energy price increases.
'Disgrace' Households Have No Clarity Over Financial Support
The Alliance Party has said it is a "disgrace" households are still awaiting clarity about when they will receive financial support, despite energy price increases.
01 July 2022
Energy Price Increases Leave Families Unable To Afford Heating
Energy price increases is going to leave families unable to afford heating, SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has warned. Mr Durkan made the comment as the latest energy price rise came into effect across NI. It is estimated the price rises could add up to £375 onto the typical annual bill.
Energy Price Increases Leave Families Unable To Afford Heating
Energy price increases is going to leave families unable to afford heating, SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has warned. Mr Durkan made the comment as the latest energy price rise came into effect across NI. It is estimated the price rises could add up to £375 onto the typical annual bill.
12 January 2022
Protocol Could Prevent NI Benefitting From Energy Price Assistance - DUP
The Protocol could prevent Northern Ireland from benefitting from energy price assistance, the DUP's Sammy Wilson has said. The East Antrim MP said that speculation that the Government will scrap VAT on domestic energy costs is a stark reminder of the uncertainty facing households in Northern Ireland because of the border in the Irish Sea.
Protocol Could Prevent NI Benefitting From Energy Price Assistance - DUP
The Protocol could prevent Northern Ireland from benefitting from energy price assistance, the DUP's Sammy Wilson has said. The East Antrim MP said that speculation that the Government will scrap VAT on domestic energy costs is a stark reminder of the uncertainty facing households in Northern Ireland because of the border in the Irish Sea.
05 July 2002
NIE and Ofreg agree further price reductions
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) and Ofreg (the Northern Ireland electricity regulator) have reached an agreement on NIE’s Transmission and Distribution Price Control.
NIE and Ofreg agree further price reductions
Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) and Ofreg (the Northern Ireland electricity regulator) have reached an agreement on NIE’s Transmission and Distribution Price Control.
-
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.
