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As consumers start to firm up their plans to travel over the festive period, the Consumer Council is calling on the public to make themselves familiar with the latest public health advice and to be prepared in the event of new travel restrictions coming in to place.

Firmus energy has today announced an increase of 19.48%, effective from 6 January 2022 for gas customers in the Greater Belfast* area, impacting around 49,000 domestic customers.

This year, many of us will be sending Christmas gifts to friends and family through the post rather than giving in person, so it's good to know what steps you can take to make sure your gifts arrive safely and on time. To help, we've put together some top tips covering last postage dates, how to get the best postage deal and keeping valuable items safe.

We’re delighted to be working with National Energy Action, to host a series of energy efficiency webinars where you can learn useful tips and advice on how you can make your energy go further this winter, save some money on your bills, and do your bit for our environment at the same time.

As consumers hit the high streets and shop online for Christmas, we are calling on the public to be ‘Savvy Shoppers’ in the run up to the big day, to avoid overspending and the common pitfalls of hidden costs.

Shopping from the comfort of your sofa on a phone or tablet is a task many of us now do on a regular basis, with more than 25% of the population doing the bulk of their Christmas shopping online. But 40% of shoppers in Northern Ireland have been targeted by scams in the last few years, and, as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, we want to remind shoppers to be scam aware as they hunt for bargains.

Northern Ireland’s largest energy supplier, Power NI is set to increase its electricity tariff by 21.4% from 1 January 2022.This increase will see the yearly electricity bill of a typical household with a credit meter rise by around £131 per year. Those customers with a keypad (PAYG) meter costs will increase by around £127 per year.

Firmus energy has today announced an increase of 38.18% from 3 December 2021 for gas customers in the Ten Towns area, impacting around 55,000 domestic customers.

SSE Airtricity has today announced it will be increasing electricity prices by 9% from 1 December 2021. This means the typical customer will see their bill rise by around £62 per year.

John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator has today 20 October 2021 warned consumers that gas and electricity bills may continue to increase until summer 2022.

Reacting to this announcement Peter McClenaghan, Consumer Council Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability, said:

“I described the energy price rises announced in September as the thin end of the wedge for consumers and, unfortunately, this is proving to be the case with pressure on household budgets continuing to increase dramatically.”

“While the Utility Regulator’s statement focusses on wholesale gas prices and their impact on our gas and electricity bills, price increases are occurring across the global energy market which will have a significant impact on Northern Ireland consumers.”

“Consumer Council figures show that the cost of home heating oil has doubled in the past year which is particularly concerning given that the majority of NI households still rely on home heating oil. Added to this, our figures show that the cost of petrol and diesel have also increased over 20% since last year.”

“This is a worrying time for consumers as these fuel price increases are driven by factors outside their control and coincide with rising inflation, proposed tax rises and increasing food costs.”

Providing some examples of how these price rises will impact local people, Peter continued:

“Price rises mean that by December a typical consumer could see their combined energy and travel costs rise by nearly £1,000 year-on-year.

The average householder in Antrim, who commutes to Belfast daily and whose home is connected to the gas network, could be spending £830 more on gas, electricity and petrol than last year.

Meanwhile, an average householder in Banbridge, who commutes to Belfast daily and who has an oil boiler may have seen their bills rise by £1,240 a year.”

There are some steps consumers can take to try to reduce their energy and fuel costs, including:

• Lowering your room thermostat by just one degree which can save you up to £75 per year. The Consumer Council provide further energy efficiency guidance here: Energy Efficiency Tips.
• Switching payment option, changing billing method or switching supplier can save some money. We also have a free independent energy price comparison tool which empowers consumers to compare all electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland in one place Energy Bill Comparison Tool.
• Rethinking how you make your journeys, maintaining your vehicle properly, and making sure your tyres are properly inflated. You can also use our free Fuel Price Checker for a weekly guide to the best price within your area.

Peter continued: “Importantly, consumers who are struggling with their energy bills should contact their supplier directly for help and information.”

"The Consumer Council will continue to work with our Government Departments, energy companies and the Utility Regulator on the development of initiatives to help consumers experiencing payment difficulties."