SSE Airtricity announces 21.8% price increase for gas customers
SSE Airtricity have announced today (Friday 3 September) an increase of 21.8% effective from Friday 1 October 2021 for gas customers across Northern Ireland.
This news will impact almost 180,000 customers in the Greater Belfast area, and around 1,700 customers in the West network area, and means the yearly gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £112 per year. Those customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £110.50 per year.
Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council said: “Large price increases, like the SSE Airtricity announcement today, make budgeting difficult for consumers. This SSE Airtricity increase follows rises in electricity, grocery, and fuel costs and is particularly bad news for consumers in vulnerable situations as it will coincide with the end of the furlough scheme, the removal of the Universal Credit uplift, and the start of winter.”
“We encourage anyone who are struggling with their energy bills to contact their supplier directly for help and information. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs via energy efficiency, switching supplier, or changing billing method.”
The Consumer Council also encourages consumers to shop around for the best energy deal or switch gas supplier, if possible. Customers can use a free independent energy price comparison tool on our website (www.consumercouncil.org.uk/energy) to see which companies have the best deal.
Peter continued: “The Consumer Council will continue to work with our energy companies and the Utility Regulator on the development of initiatives to help consumers experiencing payment difficulties.”
The Consumer Council’s website has a number of free resources including Switch On: A Guide for Home Energy Users 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.
- Energy