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With savings available when switching supplier, the Utility Regulator and Consumer Council for Northern Ireland are encouraging business consumers to check their bills and review their energy spend.

firmus energy has today (Tuesday 23 March 2021) announced it will be increasing its gas prices by 14% in the Greater Belfast* area from 15 April 2021.

The Consumer Council has returned over £1 million to consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland since 1 April 2020. With the COVID-19 pandemic changing how consumers spend, socialise, work, live and travel, the consumer rights body has said this has led to an increased need for its free service.

SSE Airtricity gas customers in Northern Ireland will have to find extra money for their gas bill after they announced today (Friday 5 March 2021) an increase of 9.8% from 1 April 2021.

firmus energy has today (Tuesday 2 March 2021) announced it will be increasing its gas prices by 17.75% in the Ten Towns area from 1 April 2021.

Electric Ireland have today (Friday 8 January 2021) announced they will be increasing their prices by 3.7% from 1 February 2021. This will see the typical Electric Ireland customer needing to find up to an extra £21 per year.

The Consumer Council has announced Noyona Chundur as its new Chief Executive. Noyona took up her post today (Tuesday 5 January 2021). She joins The Consumer Council from Invest Northern Ireland where she was Head of Campaigns and Digital Solutions since 2006, joining the organisation in 2004. She led their communications strategy for Northern Ireland, winning multiple internationally recognised awards for marketing and digital innovation, and is also Chair of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Following the publication of temporary guidance for parcels moving between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI) from 1 January 2021, The Consumer Council has said it remains concerned about the long-term solution for NI consumers and businesses.

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The Consumer Council is concerned that consumers in Northern Ireland could face potential new difficulties when shopping online from 1 January 2021, following the end of the transition period. Custom administration could be applied to parcels arriving in Northern Ireland from GB, which will likely lead to higher costs, delays and reduced choice for Northern Ireland consumers shopping online.