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Electric Ireland, the third largest electricity supplier in Northern Ireland, have announced today it will be increasing electricity prices by 29% for customers from 1 October 2022.

SSE Airtricity has announced today an increase of 28.4% for gas customers, effective from Saturday 1 October 2022. This will impact around 188,000 domestic gas customers throughout the Greater Belfast and West gas networks, and about 4,600 commercial customers.

This news means that the yearly gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £351 per year. Those customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £348 per year.

SSE Airtricity has also announced a 35.4% increase in its electricity prices, effective Saturday 1 October 2022. This will see electricity bills for an average household increase to around £1,356 per year.

Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council said: “We are facing into a very serious crisis this winter and I am angry and fearful on behalf of Northern Ireland consumers.

Already many of our households are at the brink. This announcement means consumers in Belfast face combined annual gas and electricity bills in excess of £2,500 a year, with further price increases to come.

This is a global problem, the price of the gas we import is outside the control of local companies, but consumers require a lot more local support than has been offered to date.

The £400 Energy Support Scheme promised to all households in NI by the Chancellor will be a help, but it will not be nearly enough as a typical gas consuming household will be paying out over £1,000 more for energy this winter than last.

“We encourage anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help and information. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and, if you can, put some extra money aside for energy costs this winter.”

Peter continued: “In the short term, the Consumer Council has been working in collaboration with Government departments, The Utility Regulator, energy suppliers, and third sector organisations, who have been working hard to try to put in place immediate support and advice to help those in energy crisis this winter and beyond.

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 us away from our dependence on fossil fuels.”

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

The Consumer Council is advising postal consumers to plan ahead for Royal Mail strike action which is expected to take place on Friday 26 August, Wednesday 31 August, Thursday 8 September and Friday 9 September 2022.

The Consumer Council has produced eight short videos advising consumers of their rights when travelling this summer. 

The Consumer Council is urging Halifax customers to review their banking needs following the announcement of the closure of two more branches in the coming months.

The branch in Newry will close to consumers on 8 November 2022, with the Coleraine branch closing on 10 January 2023. This follows the closure earlier this year of the branch in Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, on 28 June 2022.

Jenny Redman, Head of Financial Services at the Consumer Council, said: “Whilst many consumers are choosing to access their banking services through the internet, apps and over the phone, there are still many who rely on face-to-face banking through their local branch.

Consumers can continue to visit their nearest Post Office to pay in cash and cheques, withdraw money, and check their balance. Basic banking services is something the Post Office provides for all banks in Northern Ireland.

Jenny added: “Before each branch closes, we would advise customers to think about their needs and preferences and liaise with their local branch to discuss the options that are available to them. If the bank is unable to meet these needs, consumers may wish to switch their accounts.

“The Consumer Council is continuing to monitor the impact of branch closures across Northern Ireland and is working closely with the financial sector to represent consumers.”

The Consumer Council’s website has a number of free resources to assist consumers. 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.

Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland are over £1 per litre, more than double the ten-year average price, and prices have only been higher for one week this decade according to the Consumer Council’s weekly heating oil survey, published today.

The summer travel period is upon us. With recent air and sea travel disruptions in mind, the Consumer Council is helping Northern Ireland holidaymakers prepare for their upcoming journeys with its Top Travel Tips.

Click Energy, the smallest of the five electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland, has announced it will be increasing electricity prices by 11% from 1 July 2022, impacting around 26,000 customers.

This will see a typical bill for a household with a credit meter needing to find around an extra £98 a year and those customers with a prepayment meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £99 per year.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “The increase is due to the continuing rise of wholesale energy costs and comes at a time when many are already experiencing extreme pressures on their household budgets with rises in home heating oil, natural gas, coal, grocery, and transport fuel costs.

“We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help with payment plans for bill pay / direct debit and prepayment meters. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and, importantly, if possible, trying to save over the summer months to cover energy costs during winter 2022-23.”

Click Energy customers should think about shopping around to make sure they are on the best electricity deal as no exit fee will apply if switching before 1 July 2022. In Northern Ireland there are five electricity suppliers who have over 20 different tariffs to choose from. The Consumer Council website has an independent energy price comparison tool for households to compare all available tariffs to get the best deal.

Consumers can get in touch with us for free independent advice by calling FREEPHONE 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

Firmus energy has announced today, 7 June 2022, an increase of 24.54% effective from 1 July 2022 for gas customers in the Belfast area.

Following the cancellation of a number of recent flights in and out of Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council has issued advice.