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In the week following the five pence cut in fuel excise duty, the Consumer Council’s research shows the average price of unleaded petrol and diesel across Northern Ireland have dropped by 3.4p and 1.9p respectively.

Firmus energy has today announced an increase of 16.31% from 3 May 2022 for gas customers in the Ten Towns area, impacting around 59,000 domestic customers.

This increase will see the yearly gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter rise by about £211 per year to £1,504. Those customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see costs increase by around £201 per year to £1,432.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council said: “It is important that consumers are made aware that their domestic gas bills will stay high for at least the next year because the wholesale price that the companies pay for the gas continues to be much more expensive than the norm. Unfortunately heating oil prices are also very high, so regardless of the fuel we use, many of us will experience extreme pressure on our household budgets. This will further increase the numbers of people in fuel poverty, as many families may struggle to find the extra money they will now need to pay for heating.”

“As the Winter 2021/22 Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme ends today (31 March 2022), we implore firmus energy, and the wider energy industry, to commit to financially supporting the continuation of a fuel hardship scheme in the coming financial year. For the longer term, it is clear that energy companies, policy makers, The Utility Regulator, charities and the Consumer Council must continue to work together to develop sustainable solutions to help support those in need as the problem of high energy prices will likely be with us for the foreseeable future.”

If you are struggling to pay your bills energy bills or struggling to pay to top-up their meter should contact their supplier directly for support. 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.

Our website has a number of free resources including Switch On: A Guide for Home Energy Users, which can help you be more energy efficient at home, get the best from your electricity or gas supply, and save money.

Firmus energy customers in Greater Belfast and in the gas to the West network area will not be impacted by this tariff change.

Electric Ireland have announced it will be increasing electricity prices by 30% for customers from 1 May 2022.

The typical credit meter and keypad (PAYG) customers will see their bills rise by around £219 per year.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “This news will adversely impact all Electric Ireland customers who are already experiencing financial pressures on their household budget especially with the cost of living crisis that we are experiencing.

“Consumers who are struggling with their energy bills should contact their supplier directly for help and information. We would encourage all consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs. Switching payment option, changing billing method or switching supplier can save some money.”

Our free independent energy price comparison tool can help you compare all electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland in one place. Electric Ireland have confirmed that as part of their licensing agreement, there will be no exit fee applied to customers who switch to another supplier before 30 April 2022.

Raymond continued: “The Consumer Council will continue to work with all involved in the energy industry including supply companies and the Utility Regulator to develop sustainable solutions to support the ever growing number of people in need as the problem of high energy prices will likely be with us for the foreseeable future.”

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

The ScamwiseNI Partnership has launched a programme for people in Northern Ireland with learning difficulties to stay safe from scams.

The Consumer Council is urging HSBC customers to review their banking needs ahead of the upcoming closure of two local branches later this year. The Derry/Londonderry HSBC branch is due to close on 11 August 2022 and the Omagh HSBC branch is due to close on 16 August 2022.

In 2018 Irish Ferries' new ship, the W.B. Yeats, was delayed and there was a knock on effect for a significant number of bookings. Passengers had to sail on different dates and some from different ports than they had booked.

SSE Airtricity has announced today (Friday 4 March) an increase of 39% effective from Friday 1 April 2022. This will impact around 186,000 gas customers throughout Northern Ireland and is the biggest rise in gas prices in their network since May 2011.

The Consumer Council has launched a new Transport Knowledge Hub, containing over a decade worth of Northern Ireland-specific transport data. 

With petrol prices nearing a 10 year high this week, just as many of us contemplate a return to office-based work, the cost of the daily commute will come into stark focus for many consumers.

The Consumer Council has retained best practice accreditations; the British Standard 18477 for Inclusive Service Provision, and the Customer Service Excellence Standard for commitment to high-quality customer service.