Energy

The most recent Bord Gáis Energy Index was launched yesterday. This shows that over the last year, there has been a 64% reduction in wholesale gas prices, and a 38% reduction in wholesale electricity prices. Unfortunately, consumers in Northern Ireland over the last month have only, at best, seen modest reductions in their gas prices, and increases of around 6-8% in their electricity prices.

The Consumer Council has had a successful year in 2018/19, advising and signposting a total of 1,213 consumers. Throughout the period, 3,782 enquiries and complaints were investigated, resulting in £212k being returned to the pockets of consumers in Northern Ireland.

Each week, The Consumer Council monitors home heating oil prices across Northern Ireland. Since the drone strike on the oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on 14 September 2019, there has been a 7% increase in home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland. Whereas, over the same time period wholesale crude oil prices have only increased by 2.8%.

Following further decreases in the wholesale electricity and gas markets from the corresponding period last year, The Consumer Council is calling on energy suppliers to transparently pass these reductions onto consumers.

Click Energy customers will be disappointed to hear that as well as seeing a 5.87% increase in the unit rate of electricity they pay, from 1 October 2019 they will also have to pay a standing charge of 8.895p or 11.138p per day.

Natural gas consumers in the Ten Towns and Greater Belfast areas will welcome Firmus Energy Supply’s decision to decrease its prices by 8.77% from 1 October 2019, according to The Consumer Council.

Consumers in Northern Ireland need to be provided with clear and transparent information as to why the price they pay for their electricity has increased, according to The Consumer Council.

The Consumer Council is disappointed after Power NI’s announcement of a tariff increase, which has occurred despite a decrease in wholesale energy prices over the past year.

The Consumer Council welcomes the publication of the Utility Regulator’s conclusion following its investigation into SSE Airtricity Energy Supply Ltd and SSE Airtricity Gas Supply Ltd.

John French, Chief Executive of The Consumer Council said, “We welcome the publication of the Utility Regulator’s plan to investigate SSE Airtricity."

The Consumer Council encourages consumers to register their details if they need additional support.

Tariffs to increase by 10.38% from 29 November 2018.

Make today the day you aim to bring down the cost of your home energy!

Last week’s Storm Ali caused many power cuts across Northern Ireland and approximately 90,000 homes were without energy. The vast majority of these (circa 95%) were fixed within 24 hours.

The Consumer Council is urging natural gas customers to consider ways to save on their household energy bills, following the announcement that Firmus Energy is to increase gas prices by 12% in the Ten Towns area from 1 October 2018 and Greater Belfast from 4 October 2018.

Review your energy bills, advises The Consumer Council.

Electric Ireland have today announced they will be increasing their prices by 13.3%, which will come into effect from 1 October 2018. This will see the typical Electric Ireland customer needing to find an extra £64 per year.

Power NI to increase electricity tariffs by 13.8% with effect from 1 October 2018.

27,000 Click Energy customers across Northern Ireland will be affected by a 9.68% electricity price increase. The Consumer Council says this is unwelcome news, and we encourage all consumers to review whether they are on the best deal for their electricity. 

The Consumer Council strongly welcomes today’s announcement by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive that there has been a significant drop in fuel poverty in Northern Ireland from 42% of households in 2011, to 22% in 2016.

First published: 16 May 2018

SGN Natural Gas are running natural gas information days in the Strabane area throughout April and May.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the announcement that, as of today, the electricity connections market is open to other service providers.

The Consumer Council is urging Firmus Energy gas customers in the Ten Towns  and Greater Belfast areas to consider ways to save on their household energy bills. This follows the announcement that Firmus Energy is to put up gas prices in the Ten Towns area by 6.8% from 5 April 2018, and in the Greater Belfast market by 8.8% from 16 April 2018. 

SSE Airtricity Gas Tariff Increase to Affect 150,000 Customers

We have a range of useful guides and fact sheets that may be of use during bad weather. Please also see below for other useful contact numbers.

Pay As You Go Energy Top Up Scam.

The Consumer Council and PSNI are advising consumers to be extra vigilant about bogus callers on your doorstep or social media sites offering discounted pay as you go electricity top ups. This is a scam and consumers doing this will end up paying twice for their energy supply.

Click Energy are fourth company to announce tariff increase

With Electric Ireland’s 7.2% tariff increase announced today, The Consumer Council is urging you to check if there is a better energy deal to help you save money.

Energy “Price Cap” already exists in Northern Ireland

We have a range of useful guides and fact sheets that may be of use during bad weather. Please also see below for other useful contact numbers.

The Consumer Council is encouraging Northern Ireland households to shop around and save up to £145 a year on their electricity bill.

Responding to the first domestic tariff increase by Power NI since July 2013, The Consumer Council recognises it will be unwelcome news for consumers, but it reflects an increase in the wholesale cost of electricity

The Consumer Council helps farmers save money

Bryson Energy staff have learned firsthand how to exercise their rights as consumers, thanks to a recent visit by The Consumer Council at their workplace in Enniskillen and Belfast.

The Consumer Council welcomes the outcome of the Final Determination from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Firmus Energy’s appeal against the Utility Regulator’s GD17 Price Control.

The Consumer Council would like to make small businesses aware that following Power NI’s price control review by the Utility Regulator, Power NI’s small businesses tariffs will no longer be regulated, as of 1 April 2017.

Northern Ireland consumers will have the opportunity to raise the issues most important to them, learn about their consumer rights and how to save money at the Consumer Council’s inaugural Consumer Parliament on Friday 24 March 2017.

Firmus Energy customers in both the Greater Belfast and the “Ten Towns” markets will be disappointed to find out that they have to find extra money for their gas bills after the supplier announced an increase of 12.2%.

SSE Airtricity gas customers in the Greater Belfast area will have to find extra money for their gas bills after SSE announced an increase of 7.6% with effect from the 31 March 2017.

The Consumer Council is informing former Open Electric customers that they now have the opportunity to switch electricity supplier after they were automatically transferred to Power NI as part of the Supplier of Last Resort process, when the company ceased trading on the 18 December 2016.

Consumer Council advises Open Electric Customers that their electricity supply is unaffected.

The Consumer Council is encouraging households to check if they are on the best deal for their electricity. This follows Budget Energy's decision to remove, or reduce, discounts on some of their existing tariffs.

Price of 500 litres of home heating oil has increased by 20% in last three months.

Blog post by Keelin Kelly

Gas Safety Week 19 – 25 September 2016
The Consumer Council is urging all consumers to ensure their gas appliances are serviced as part of Gas Safety Week, which runs from 19 – 25 September 2016.

For the first time in Northern Ireland consumers have helped shape proposals to reduce power cuts, increase resilience against severe weather and ensure future electricity needs are met.

NI energy consumers advised to shop around to save money.

Consumer Council's New Energy Price Comparison Site to Save Consumers Money!

The Consumer Council has welcomed today’s news that Click Energy will be reducing prices for domestic customers by 2.7% from 1 May 2016.

The Consumer Council is today launching an online survey to find out what information and resources Northern Ireland businesses and non-profit organisations need to help them reduce their energy bills.

The Consumer Council is currently inviting views on its draft Corporate Plan 2016-21 and Forward Work Programme 2016-17.

The Consumer Council welcomes today’s announcement by Firmus Energy of a 7.7% price reduction for its 28,000 gas customers in the ‘Ten Towns’ licence area.

The Consumer Council welcomes today’s announcement by firmus energy of a 9.75% price reduction for its 50,000 gas customers in the Greater Belfast area.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the news today that Electric Ireland will be reducing prices for domestic customers by 10% from 21 March.

The Consumer Council welcomes today’s announcement by SSE Airtricity of a 10.2% price reduction for its 135,000 gas customers in the Greater Belfast area and a 10.3% reduction for its 210,000 electricity customers across Northern Ireland.

The Consumer Council has welcomed Power NI’s 10.3% tariff reduction. The Consumer Council’s Head of Energy, Richard Williams said: “This is good news for Power NI customers. Domestic consumers will see prices reduce by around £54 per year and £200 for regulated business customers.

The Consumer Council is advising people to get a head start on their New Year’s resolutions by checking whether they could save money by switching electricity supplier.

The Consumer Council’s Head of Energy Policy, Richard Williams, said: “The Consumer Council welcomes the extension of the natural gas network into East Down as it will mean more choice for around 25,000 consumers and around 2,000 small businesses.

The Consumer Council in partnership with Advice NI, Citizens Advice Bureau Northern Ireland and the Law Centre NI yesterday (07 October 2015) signed the ‘Consumer Rights Initiative’ Memorandum of Understanding.

The Consumer Council welcomes Firmus Energy’s decision to reduce natural gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast area by up to 10 per cent and 5 per cent in the Ten Towns licence area.

The Consumer Council welcomes today’s announcement by SSE Airtricity of a 10 per cent tariff reduction for its natural gas customers in Greater Belfast.

The Consumer Council’s weekly home heating oil survey has revealed that prices in Northern Ireland are at their lowest in six years.

Farmers and householders can potentially save money on utility bills and the Consumer Council will show them how, when it attends this year’s Balmoral Show from Wednesday 13 – Friday 15 May 2015.

The Consumer Council welcomes today’s announcement by firmus energy of a 6.38 per cent price reduction for its 48,000 gas customers in the Greater Belfast area. This follows last week’s announcement by SSE Airtricity of a 7.8 per cent price reduction for Belfast gas customers.

The Consumer Council welcomes today’s announcement by SSE Airtricity of a 7.8 per cent price reduction for its 127,000 gas customers in the Greater Belfast area and an 8 per cent price reduction for its 170,000 electricity customers across Northern Ireland.

The Consumer Council has welcomed today’s announcement by Power NI to decrease its domestic tariffs by 9.2 per cent from 01 April 2015.

Welcoming the price reduction announcement by Budget Energy Ltd, Aodhan O ‘Donnell, interim chief executive of The Consumer Council said “We had recently written to all electricity companies asking them to review their prices on the back of wholesale energy price reductions. Budget Energy's 60,000 customers will welcome their decision to reduce all current domestic tariffs by 5%. This reduction gives a typical Budget customer an annual saving of £32.”

Now the weather has turned frosty and people are pulling out the winter woollies, the Consumer Council is urging consumers to get a copy of its ‘Weather the Winter’ leaflet to be winter ready in the event of severe weather.

Opinion piece by Richard Williams, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council.

Householders rely on energy for almost all of their everyday activities. Recent Consumer Council research showed that in terms of household budgets, it is the top concern.

The Consumer Council has today revealed that despite positive signs emerging in the wider economy, these are not filtering through to consumers, with 70 per cent not yet feeling the green shoots of economic recovery.

Consumers who shop around and switch could save up to £158 on average per year on their electricity

Come along to the Consumer Council’s ‘Energy Switch and Save’ event for free and independent information on the energy switching process and bring along your bill to find out if you are on the best deal.

This event will take place on:
• Monday 20 October - 1pm to 3pm at the City Hotel, Derry/Londonderry
• Thursday 23 October 1pm – 3pm at the Spires Conference Centre, Belfast

We may all be enjoying the good weather but at the same time you could also be thinking of stocking up on your home heating oil ahead of the autumn.

Almost £500,000 has made its way back to consumers' pockets over the last year after they turned to the Consumer Council for help with their complaint.

A new mandatory Marketing Code of Practice to guard against mis-selling to Northern Ireland’s electricity and gas consumers has been introduced by the Utility Regulator in consultation with a range of stakeholders, particularly the Consumer Council.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the Competition Commission’s final determination which sets the cost to be paid for electricity by consumers over the next three years.

Making information consumers want clearer and easier to access has been the key aim of the new updated Consumer Council website, which has gone live.

How would you like to trim thousands of pounds off your annual household spend? Find out how small changes can make big savings on household bills by signing up for the Consumer Council’s free half-day workshop on Friday 07 March 2014 at the NICVA Headquarters (61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2BG) from 9.30am until 1.00pm followed by lunch.

The last week of January has been designated Big Energy Saving Week in a national bid to raise awareness of energy and efficiency issues and help consumers find ways to cut their fuel bills.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) consultation on the future of consumer representation in Northern Ireland has now closed and as readers will expect, the Consumer Council has submitted an in depth response. However, what has been really encouraging is that so many others took time to set out their reasons why consumer representation in Northern Ireland should be strengthened - not diminished or dismantled.

The Consumer Council is urging vulnerable consumers who might need additional support in the event of a loss of electricity, gas or water supplies to make sure that they are on the Customer Care and Critical Care Registers held by electricity, gas and water companies.

The Consumer Council and the Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF) have developed an industry first ‘Customer Charter’ to offer home heating oil consumers service guarantees such as a formalised complaints process, as well as flexible payment options and energy efficiency advice.

While this Monday is heralded to be ‘Blue Monday’, the most depressing day of the calendar year, the Consumer Council has said there are 1,628 reasons why it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom.

The Consumer Council is reminding the public that the deadline for the consultation on its future is Friday 17 January. It is encouraging consumers to make their voice heard if they wish to see the organisation remain in place.

The Consumer Council has published details of how it plans to represent consumers in energy, water and transport issues from April 2014 to March 2015 and is now inviting views from interested parties by 21 March 2014.

Reduce the number of energy efficiency schemes and concentrate spending on high impact measures such as boiler replacement and insulation programmes which target fuel poor households, area by area. That’s the recommendation of a new report on energy efficiency in Northern Ireland from the Consumer Council.

The Consumer Council has encouraged people living in Northern Ireland to make their voice heard in the ongoing public consultation on its future.

Shopping around, switching supplier and shopping safely online are just some of the money-saving strategies to be discussed at a free Consumer Council workshop in Lisburn on Friday 13 December.

The Consumer Council assesses and contributes to all price control processes with consumers' interests, and only consumers' interests, in mind.

It’s not just the colder, darker nights that are securing energy’s place as the top concern for Northern Ireland’s consumers. Energy bills have held the top spot for some considerable time in NI.

The Consumer Council is disappointed that firmus energy customers in the Ten Towns licence area will have to find extra money for their energy bills after firmus announced an increase of 14.4 per cent with effect from 1st October 2013.

The Consumer Council is urging consumers to protect their homes should the predicted change in the weather result in flash flooding in some areas.

The Consumer Council is heading to the Antrim show at Shane’s Castle on Saturday 27 July, one of a number of shows it is attending during the summer. Consumer Council staff will be available to members of the public who have any queries on consumer issues, including how to get the best deals on water and energy bills.

In the doom and gloom of the recession it’s not often people try to give us money. However, that is what the Consumer Council has done, helping to put £300,000 back into the pockets of 278 consumers, who went to the organisation last year with a complaint about energy, transport or water.

The Consumer Council has said it is frustrated that Budget Energy, the third domestic electricity supplier in Northern Ireland, has announced it too will be increasing its prices by up to 17.96 per cent from 1 July 2013.

The Consumer Council has said it is disappointed that Airtricity is to put prices up by 17.8 per cent from 1 July 2013, but says consumers still have options to make savings.

Consumers could save an average £161 this year by switching, if other electricity suppliers do not follow Power NI’s 17.8 per cent increase announced today, the Consumer Council has said.

Consumer Council Chief Executive, Antoinette McKeown, said: “The cost of energy is one of the biggest concerns for people in Northern Ireland today. Around 70 per cent of people here heat their home with oil, which increased in price, on average, by 60 per cent between 2009 and 2012.

The Competition Commission ruling on Phoenix Natural Gas (PNG) will have an impact on gas customers in the Greater Belfast and Larne areas according to the Consumer Council.

The CEO of the Consumer Council, Antoinette McKeown has expressed concern at the news today that NIE and the Utility Regulator have failed to come to an agreement regarding a price control for the distribution and transmission of electricity in NI (RP5 price control).

A range of organisations including the Consumer Council, Bryson Energy, part of the Bryson Charitable Group, Fold Housing Association and Derry City Council have come together to work on an innovative energy brokering pilot project in a bid to lower prices for consumers. The Pilot commences in October and will last for six months when it will be evaluated and potentially rolled out widely across Northern Ireland.

Introduction

The Consumer Council welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation.

The Consumer Council spent two days at the Fermanagh County Show this week giving advice and information to visitors.
According to CEO of the Consumer Council Antoinette McKeown, the cost of water was a big issue for local farmers and switching energy providers was a matter of concern for many others.

Following the news that the Competition Commission has ruled that the Utility Regulator was not justified in attempting to place a new price control on Phoenix Gas, the CEO of the Consumer Council Antoinette McKeown has said that weak regulation has failed the consumer but has welcomed the fact that the Competition Commission has taken into account considerations put forward by the Consumer Council in making their decision.

The Consumer Council and the Utility Regulator made a joint presentation to voluntary sector stakeholders on the NIE Price Control 2012-17 (RP5) on the 12 June 2012.

The Northern Ireland Fuel Poverty Coalition is bringing their fight against fuel poverty to Stormont today at an event in the Long Gallery in Parliament Buildings Stormont. Experts from across the five Nations; England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will examine the main fuel poverty policies and interventions implemented in each of the Nations and identify what could work for the 44 per cent of households here in fuel poverty.

The Consumer Council has provided its submission to the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd Price Control determination’. Please click the link below for more information.

From 21 May 2012, new IT systems are being introduced to Northern Ireland’s electricity market.  The new system will improve the process of switching electricity suppliers for all customers. 

Today’s consultation by the Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation (the Regulator) into the costs required to maintain and develop the electricity network – the poles and wires that transport electricity to people’s homes - has highlighted a potentially promising result for consumers.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the news that a pilot Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) scheme for home heating oil has been introduced in Northern Ireland (NI). The scheme, operating in 20 homes in Dungannon, Camlough and Newcastle, allows consumers to buy the amount of oil they need, which is then released from the consumer’s oil tank. A meter installed in the home helps the householder keep track of how much they have spent. It is hoped that the scheme can enable consumers to budget for their home heating oil, without resorting to using 20 litre emergency oil drums.

A single department with responsibility for all energy matters, the radical reduction of Northern Ireland’s dependency on home heating oil, and renewable electricity-based heating for the south and west where gas networks may never reach, are just three of the recommendations of a new report on the energy industry in Northern Ireland. The independent report, ‘Energising Northern Ireland’, was commissioned by the Consumer Council and produced by former GB energy Minister, Lord Whitty.

The Consumer Council has welcomed today’s news that Phoenix Supply will reduce its tariff by 8.5 per cent from 1 April 2012 for its Belfast-based domestic and small business customers. The average annual Phoenix bill will be £550 from the 1 April giving an annual saving of £51 or £4.25 per month for over 130,000 Phoenix Supply customers.

•Why does the price of electricity produced by wind generators rise when the price of gas rises1?
•Why does the most expensive electricity generator set the price that is paid to all generators on the Island of Ireland2?
•Why are some generators making profit margins of between 20 and 50 per cent when NI’s top 100 companies are seeing margins between 1 and 6 per cent?
•Why are wind generators paid for being on standby when the wind is not blowing?

With the continuing severe weather across Northern Ireland the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off or if their travel is cancelled.

The Consumer Council’s Head of Energy, John French said: “The Consumer Council welcomes confirmation from Maxol Direct/DCC Energy that it will refund direct debit customers within a few days and offer them a goodwill gesture. However, this error has occurred a week before pay day for many people and a few weeks before Christmas, so it could cause significant inconvenience as well as bank charges if customers go into the red. We are calling on Maxol Direct/DCC Energy to confirm it will cover these charges for anybody affected by the company error.

The Consumer Council has reminded energy users that higher electricity and gas prices kick in today, 1 October, following last month’s series of announcements from energy suppliers. The price rises which range from 18.6 per cent for electricity to 35.4 per cent for gas, will see consumers paying on average an extra £200 a year on heating and lighting their home.

The Fuel Poverty Coalition held a special event on Friday, 23 September 2011 in Derry City’s Millennium Forum to examine and discuss practical solutions to the fuel poverty crisis affecting a growing number of households in Northern Ireland. Around 80 organisations and elected political representatives from across Northern Ireland came together to discuss how to tackle this increasingly important issue.

The Fuel Poverty Coalition will hold a special event this Friday, 23 September 2011 in Derry City’s Millennium Forum to examine and discuss practical solutions to the fuel poverty crisis affecting a growing number of households in Northern Ireland. Around 80 organisations and elected political representatives from across Northern Ireland will come together to discuss how to tackle this increasingly important issue.

The decision by firmus energy to increase prices as their current ‘price freeze’ period comes to an end is a blow for their customers in Belfast. Firmus customers will now see the cost of their gas increase by 35 per cent from the 1 October 2011.

The Consumer Council has questioned whether NI electricity customers are getting the best possible prices following the announcement of AES (Northern Ireland) £50million pre-tax profit.

With bad weather predicted to hit Northern Ireland the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.

The announcement today by firmus energy to increase the price of domestic gas in the Ten Towns Licence area by 28.4% calls further into question how households in Northern Ireland will be able to afford to heat their homes this winter.

The Consumer Council welcomes the introduction of competition for around 55,000 Belfast gas consumers who have Pay As You Go Meters. From today all natural gas customers in Greater Belfast and Larne will be able to switch their gas supplier.

The Consumer Council has said today’s announcement from the Coal Advisory Service that the price of coal in Northern Ireland will rise between four and ten per cent this September is yet a further blow for consumers who are struggling with their energy costs. Although only around five per cent of households in Northern Ireland use coal to solely heat their homes, there is an increasing number of households that use coal fires as a means of complementing their central heating systems.

The Consumer Council has called for four key actions following today’s announcement from Power NI that an 18.6 per cent electricity price rise will take effect from 1 October. Describing it as a massive blow for consumers coming into winter, the Consumer Council has called on the NI Executive to take practical steps to address the problem.

With the continuing severe weather across Northern Ireland the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.

The announcement today (21 April) by Phoenix (PSL) that gas prices are set to rise by almost 40 per cent is a massive blow for their customers in Greater Belfast. This represents the biggest increase witnessed in the UK gas market in recent years.

As the average price for 900 litres of home heating oil passes the £550 mark for the first time since July 2008, the Consumer Council is calling on the new Northern Ireland Executive to examine the need for regulating the industry as a key priority following the upcoming Assembly Elections.

Consumer Council monitoring of local fuel prices just before and after the Budget (23 March) show that the reduction in fuel duty by one pence has not fully filtered through to the price motorists pay at the pumps. In the week after the Budget, figures show that the average price across NI for unleaded fell by 0.75 pence per litre (ppl) and for diesel 0.5ppl.

John French, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council said: “firmus Energy customers will be breathing a sigh of relief today as the company announces a price freeze until October 2011. The price freeze is welcomed by the Consumer Council; with energy and fuel prices at such high levels, any let up to household bills is good news.

The Consumer Council believes that the Department of Social Development’s new Fuel Poverty Strategy 2011 to 2015 for Northern Ireland is an opportunity for all Departments within the Northern Ireland Executive to work strategically together in eradicating fuel poverty so that every household is able to live in a warm home.

The Consumer Council issued its Election Manifesto 2011 today highlighting four key areas for change that Northern Ireland consumers have told them they would like the Northern Ireland Assembly to address in the forthcoming Election

As the average price for 900 litres of home heating oil breaks through the £500 mark for the first time in over two years and with prices varying by up to £58 the Consumer Council is calling for the NI Executive to examine the need for regulating the industry. Northern Ireland has seen the price of home heating oil accelerate by 87 per cent in the last two years .

With the coldest December and January on record, the Consumer Council is urging consumers to review how much energy they have used to avoid surprises in their next gas or electricity bill.

The Consumer Council is urging households to be ‘switched on’ to saving money on their energy bills, keeping their homes safe and warm and getting information on energy efficiency grants. The comments came today as the Consumer Council launches ‘Switch On’, a series of thirteen leaflets covering all you need to know about keeping your house warm and your energy bills down.

As unleaded nears £1.30 a litre(1) and diesel is already over £1.30 a litre in many areas, the Consumer Council has reiterated its call for consultation on the possible introduction of a ‘Fuel Price Stabiliser'(2) to cushion future petrol prices against large shifts in the price of oil – as committed to in the Conservative election campaign.

‘Preparation is key’ is the advice given by the Consumer Council today (23 December 2010). Severe weather has caused havoc for the past three weeks and looks set to continue over the Christmas period. The Consumer Council has published advice on how to deal with frozen pipes, power cuts and keeping your house warm. The information also contains emergency telephone numbers that could help you through Christmas safely.

With another severe weather warning issued for today(a)(16 December), householders and travellers can expect some disruption to their electricity and water supply or their travel plans over the next few days. The Consumer Council is re-issuing a series of up-to-date factsheets offering advice on how to prepare in advance for frozen water pipes and flooding, black outs and travel disruption.

The Consumer Council and representatives of the Northern Ireland Oil Federation met on Tuesday 14 December at the offices of the Consumer Council in Belfast.

The stark reality that poorer people pay more for everyday essentials will be
highlighted today at a Consumer Council led event. Around 50 organisations from
the private and public sectors will meet at Clifton House – the Poor House - to
agree key actions and changes that will make a difference to the everyday lives of
people on low incomes.
This event aims to illustrate how people who are less well off tend to pay more for
some necessities and are often unable to access the best deal.

With the continuing strong winds and heavy rain across Northern Ireland, The Consumer Council is calling on people to be prepared when the weather takes a turn for the worse. The Consumer Council has launched a series of leaflets offering advice to protect your home from flooding and has issued advice on our website about what to do should your electricity fail

With the continuing severe weather across Northern Ireland the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.

The Consumer Council says it welcomes the arrival of firmus energy to the domestic gas market in the Belfast and Larne area from today and hopes that competition will bring lower prices and improve customer service for all consumers.

The Consumer Council says that holding gas prices is good news for consumers this winter.

As NIE Energy (NIEE) announces no change to their prices coming into winter, John French, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council said:

Commenting on firmus Energy’s announcement today to hold their natural gas prices for 12-months, John French, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council said:

“Today’s announcement by firmus Energy to hold their prices for the next 12 months will be a relief for their customers. With another cold winter ahead and ongoing economic instability, firmus customers can rest easy that their natural gas bills will remain the same for another year.

The Consumer Council says that an urgent review of the Winter Fuel Payment is needed to ensure it adequately targets consumers in fuel poverty. The comments come amid claims that the qualifying age for the payment will rise to 66 and that the amount may be cut for some consumers.

Commenting on ESB’s acquisition of NIE’s transmission and distribution (T&D) business of the Viridian Group, Antoinette McKeown, Consumer Council Chief Executive said:

Energy prices could be reduced for consumers through the co-ordinated bulk purchase of energy on behalf of multiple customers. That’s according to a new report, ‘People Power’ , from Bryson Charitable Group, the Consumer Council and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The Consumer Council says it hopes the arrival of new electricity supplier, Airtricity, into the domestic market, will help to reduce overall electricity prices - which will consequently help in the fight against fuel poverty in Northern Ireland - and that it will bring improved levels of customer satisfaction.

Robin Greer commenting in yesterday’s News Letter on the proposed sale of Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) to Electricity Supply Board (ESB) opined that the Consumer Council ‘had barely even mewed’ on the issue.

John French, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council said: "The Consumer Council commends NIE for its robust approach in getting its customers back on supply following the havoc caused by the recent ice storm. The damage to power lines across Northern Ireland was extensive and unprecedented, yet getting the supply back on to almost 140,000 households affected and particularly the most vulnerable was always NIE’s priority.

Persistent fuel poverty in the 21st Century is unacceptable. People’s health and lives are at risk as one in two households here are struggling to heat their home adequately - one of the highest levels in Western Europe . The Consumer Council is calling on consumers to ask their politicians why fuel poverty levels in Northern Ireland have reached crisis proportions.

The Consumer Council has said ambition and imagination are missing from the Northern Ireland Executive’s approach to tacking fuel poverty and says it is now declaring war on the issue.

Following last night’s (30 March 2010) severe weather across Northern Ireland the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the boiler scrappage initiative for Northern Ireland’s consumers announced today (23 March) by the Energy Saving Trust and Phoenix Natural Gas.

The Consumer Council has welcomed actions proposed by the Utility Regulator (NIAUR) following its inquiry into business electricity tariffs and customers’ concerns, but said more needs to be done to improve the information reaching small businesses.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the launch of the Gas Safe Register public awareness campaign. Gas Safe Register will replace the CORGI registration scheme on 1 April 2010. It has also called for registered engineers to reflect the reduced costs of the new scheme in their charges to customers.

The Consumer Council has today reiterated its call for greater transparency in the fuel industry and says Government must now put pressure on suppliers to be upfront about their costs. The call came as the Consumer Council completed a 12-month review of petrol and diesel prices and prepares to brief MLAs on the topic

The Consumer Council has welcomed the Utility Regulator’s inquiry in response to business customers’ concerns about recent, unexpected rises in their electricity bills.

The Consumer Council says that urgent steps must be taken to protect Northern Ireland consumers from the volatility of the energy market. The comments come in response to a report by Ofgem, the GB energy regulator, which predicts an alarming future for energy resources and prices across the UK.

The Consumer Council is to hold a series of community panels across Northern Ireland to hear utility consumers’ views on fuel poverty and how best to protect the most vulnerable in society.

Head of Energy at the Consumer Council, John French said:

“The Consumer Council understands that there are some concerns about the systems that have been put in place to allow customers to switch from Phoenix Supply to other suppliers in the Greater Belfast gas market.

The Consumer Council representing Mr McCarter, the 74 year old pensioner from Downhill, Castlerock, who was quoted £67,000 by NIE for a new electricity supply to his home, is delighted to announce that NIE has committed to providing an electricity supply to the Seacoast Road, as soon as is practicable. Mr McCarter will now be able to connect to an electricity supply for a fraction of the cost.

The Consumer Council says the 5% decrease in electricity bills announced by NIE Energy today falls short of consumers’ expectation and is the result of a system which is not working for consumers.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the announcement that firmus energy is reducing its prices by 17.7 per cent. The decrease comes as a result of falling wholesale gas costs and sees firmus fulfilling its promise to keep its prices lower than oil. With this decrease, prices are now back to 2006 levels.

The Consumer Council has welcomed Phoenix Supply’s 19% price decrease which will take effect from 1 October. The energy consumer watchdog says the average annual saving of £104 will provide much-needed relief for over 100,000 Phoenix Supply customers.

Loretta O’Hara, Head of Consumer Support at the Consumer Council said:

“The Consumer Council has been in contact with Mr McCarter regarding the £67,000 quotation he received from NIE for a new electricity supply to his home. Mr McCarter is a 74-year-old pensioner who survives on a weekly pension of £100 so the reality is he cannot pay this bill. The Consumer Council has the legal power to represent electricity consumers here and we will be investigating this issue on behalf of Mr McCarter.

The Consumer Council met on Friday 3 April 2009 with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation (NIOF) to review the home heating oil market, and to share views and understanding from both the industry and consumer perspective.

Consumers were top of the agenda yesterday (Tuesday 13 January) when the Consumer Council and a representative from the coal industry met to discuss the coal industry and to look ahead to 2009 on behalf of Northern Ireland consumers who depend on coal to keep warm and well.

New research published today by The Consumer Council and The Utility Regulator revealed that consumers here are unaware of schemes available from energy companies to help them manage their bills.

The Consumer Council today welcomed the move by Phoenix Supply Limited (PSL) and NIE Energy (NIEE) to quickly pass on reductions to their customers as a result of falling wholesale energy costs. These reductions are needed for consumers who are struggling to pay an extra £27 a week to heat and light their homes, put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads compared to this time last year.

The Consumer Council today said that consumers are paying too much for their electricity and that the underlying regulatory system that leaves households here paying £114 more than those in GB needs to be changed to work better for consumers.

The Consumer Council today welcomed the Utility Regulator’s decision to review electricity prices this winter and its commitment to ensure that falling wholesale energy costs are reflected in lower bills for consumers as quickly as possible.

The last time crude oil was at this week’s price , consumers paid on average £275 to fill a 900 litre oil tank. Today, they are paying £416 . The Consumer Council is questioning whether the home heating oil market is working for consumers at present. Unless the home heating oil industry can assure customers that they are paying a fair price, then the Consumer Council will consider referring this matter to the Office of Fair Trading for investigation .

The Consumer Council today welcomed the Utility Regulator’s decision to review Phoenix’s gas prices and urged him to swiftly establish if and when it is possible to lower gas bills in view of the recent fall in wholesale energy costs. They also acknowledged the Utility Regulator’s commitment to examine whether an electricity price review is justified at this time. However they warned that while these reviews are taking place vulnerable households struggling to pay this year’s higher energy prices are in danger of falling into fuel poverty.

A 19.2 per cent gas price increase comes into effect from 1 October 2008. The Consumer Council is urging all PSL customers to take a meter reading to ensure that their gas bills are based on an accurate reading, not an estimated one.

The Consumer Council believes that today’s unprecedented increases in electricity and gas prices – the second this year – will strike fear and distress into many consumers already anxious about their ability to make ends meet in the face of spiralling costs this winter.  They called for the scale of the NIE Energy price increase to be re-examined in order to ensure that consumers receive a full and satisfactory explanation and justification as to why NIE Energy’s level of increase is almost double that in the rest of the UK[i].  The Consumer Council is looking to the Northern Ireland (NI) E

At a time when worry and stress is growing among consumers faced with the soaring cost of living, the Consumer Council is urging consumers to go online and tell their real-life stories about the household pressures they are facing. The Consumer Council website www.consumercouncil.org.uk now allows consumers to leave a comment, share money saving tips with others and take part in a cost of living survey.

The Consumer Council has called for a radical review of the Warm Homes scheme in the wake of today’s Audit Office’s critical report which seriously questions the extent to which the scheme has targeted and tackled fuel poverty and whether value for money has been achieved for the £109 million spent on the scheme since 2001 .

The Consumer Council says that consumers could be the long-term winners from a High Court ruling today that paves the way for the Utility Regulator to cancel expensive contracts that could be costing consumers dear.

The Consumer Council today called on the Northern Ireland Executive to challenge the UK Government to earmark the £10.5 million energy VAT windfall to help vulnerable households this winter. The call comes as Northern Ireland Electricity announces a 14 per cent hike in electricity prices which, together with other rises in the cost of living, leaves consumers having to find an extra £40 per week in just one year for the essentials like food, fuel and mortgage repayments.

The Consumer Council and CCEA are helping young people understand how the consumer choices they make today affect all our lives and environment with Ecoworld - a unique new web-based game launched yesterday (29 April). Ecoworld is designed to help young people start good habits early so that making responsible choices about the food we eat, the energy and water we use, how we travel and the waste we create become second nature.

The Consumer Council said today that the Phoenix natural gas price hike of 28 per cent could put many low income households in crisis at a time when the cost of living is increasing, and could rise further. It called for the Government to consider what further action can be taken to support people struggling to make ends meet, and to redouble its efforts to make sure everyone is claiming all the benefits they are entitled to.

Following the Met Office's severe weather warning of gale force winds, rain and heavy snowfall for parts of Northern Ireland during the next few days, the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.

As the good news breaks that firmus energy has signed up its first natural gas business customer in Belfast today, the Consumer Council is asking if or when domestic consumers in greater Belfast will ever have a choice of gas suppliers despite the market being open to competition for 12 months.

Consumers are a significant step closer to being able to switch electricity supplier with today's opening of our domestic electricity market to competition. On the same day, the introduction of the all island Single Electricity Market (SEM) should bring lower prices, more competition and a secure supply of electricity to consumers north and south of the border. However the Consumer Council voiced caution in raising consumers’ expectations about what this actually means because the benefits for consumers will only become clearer to them over time.

The Consumer Council said today that the 3.9 per cent increase in electricity prices is unwelcome but reasonable. However, it described the huge 14 per cent increase in Economy 7 night time prices as a body blow to the 45,000 households who will have to cough up an extra £50 a year. The Consumer Council has called for real action to help these households, a third of which may already be in fuel poverty and stuck with Economy 7.

The Consumer Council says the rise of up to five per cent in coal prices announced today is a blow to coal users here. On average, consumers will now pay an extra 40p for a bag of housecoal and 35p for a bag of smokeless coal [1].

There was more good news for households here as Phoenix Natural Gas announced that gas prices would fall by 14.6 per cent from 31 March. This is the third piece of good news on the energy front following similar announcements from Northern Ireland Electricity and firmus energy.

The Consumer Council today welcomed firmus energy’s announcement that it will cap prices for another year until January 2009.

There is some good news for householders today as Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) announces that electricity prices will drop by three per cent or £11 off the average annual bill from April 2007. However, the Consumer Council said that while the decrease is welcome, consumers could have been looking at a seven per cent fall if they did not have to pick up the multi-million pound tab for cleaning up Kilroot Power Station.

The Single Electricity Market can deliver benefits for consumers. This is the view of the Consumer Council today in response to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s(DETI’s) Consultation on Single Electricity Market Legislation (SEM – the all-island electricity market).

Welcoming the prospect of a settlement of this longstanding dispute, Wesley Henderson, Director of Energy at the Consumer Council said:

Joanne Gamble, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council said: "Regardless of who owns Viridian, consumers must be protected. In practice that protection can be achieved by making sure that Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) is ‘ring fenced’ in regulatory terms. There must be a limit on the amount of borrowed money used to buy the company and the new owners must press ahead with recent commitments made to invest in the electricity infrastructure.

The Consumer Council has described the 14.5 per cent increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas today as a hard but predictable blow to the household budget. The average Phoenix customer will now pay around £77 extra per year. The Consumer Council also called on the Regulator to move quickly to pass through any savings to consumers if gas costs start falling as they are predicted to do.

Following Met Office forecasts of severe gales affecting various parts of Northern Ireland from 4:00 pm today (21 September 2006), the Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.

<p>The Consumer Council says the 6.4 per cent average increase in coal prices announced today is a blow to the 42,780 coal users here. Consumers will now pay an extra £1.00 for a bag of housecoal and 50p for a bag of smokeless coal.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council – the body representing the interests of gas consumers in Northern Ireland - has welcomed the announcement by new natural gas supplier, firmus energy, of its first domestic customer.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council today launched In Control? the first research into customer use of Pay as You Go (PAYG) gas and electricity meters here. Around one in three homes here now use a PAYG meter. Most people are happy with their meter and find it helpful in managing their energy use and preventing debt from building up. However, there is a small, but significant group of people who are vulnerable to self-disconnection because they cannot afford to top up the meter.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council today welcomed the Competition Commission’s (CC) proposal that the Consumer Council should play a key role in helping to get a better deal for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) customers .</p>

<p>The Consumer Council believes that today’s announcement by Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) of a 10.8 per cent increase from 1 April 2006 is a regrettable addition to the spiralling list of bills stacking up for consumers. A typical electricity customer in Northern Ireland can expect to face an increase of around £37 a year as a result of this price rise.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council has welcomed the announcement by Northern Ireland Energy Holdings (NIEH) of a £12.4 million contribution to offset electricity costs.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council has welcomed the proposals announced by Energy Minister Angela Smith to open the gas market here to competition.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council has welcomed firmus energy’s announcement of its tariffs for domestic consumers and that prices will be capped until December 2007.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council today questioned the justification of Phoenix Natural Gas’ (Phoenix) 52 per cent gas price increase in the last four months as new energy supplier, firmus confirmed that customers in Ballymena and beyond will pay less for gas than Phoenix customers in Belfast and that prices will be capped for two years.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council described today’s announcement by Phoenix Natural Gas (Phoenix) that it is to increase prices by a further 17.3 per cent at this time of the year as appalling. This second rise means that an average annual bill will have soared by 52 per cent or £200 in only four months.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council has welcomed the launch of natural gas company, firmus energy as an important milestone in the development of the gas industry in Northern Ireland.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council is calling for an urgent package of Government measures to cushion the crushing blow of a near 30 per cent gas price increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas that will force some people here to choose between heating and eating this winter.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council today welcomed Angela Smith’s statement that the proposed acquisition of Phoenix Natural Gas (Phoenix) must bring real and meaningful benefits to consumers. This reflects the Consumer Council’s call in May for any deal to work for consumers as well as shareholders.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council today welcomed GB energy regulator Ofgem’s response to the billing super-complaint submitted by energywatch.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council says the six per cent increase in coal prices announced today is a blow to the 120,000 coal consumers in Northern Ireland. Someone using two bags of the most popular coal will now pay an extra £60 a year to heat their home.</p>

<p>The decision by the Energy Regulator to consult on the proposed acquisition of Phoenix Natural Gas by Terra Firma is a timely and necessary development, according to the Consumer Council.</p>

<p>Do you want to get the most from your energy supplier? Would you like to know more about saving money and staying warmer? If so, the Consumer Council’s latest information pack – Energywise – is for you.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council today welcomed the news that licences have been granted to Bord Gais Eireann (BGE (NI)) to extend the natural gas network here.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council welcomed today’s announcement that the Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) price increase is to be kept in line with the rate of inflation – an increase of 3.2 per cent for most domestic consumers.</p>

<p>The Consumer Council has welcomed today’s announcement that two new gas licences are being issued for public consultation.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take now to prepare for any further disruptions to electricity supplies. The advice comes as the Met Office issues advance warning of severe weather for Northern Ireland today (11 January).</p>

<p>Given the severe storms that have led to many consumers being without power in the past 24 hours the General Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take now and to prepare for any further disruptions to supplies.</p>

<p>Give your friends and family a real and lasting gift this year by getting them to sign up for the free care services from Phoenix Natural Gas and Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE). Both energy companies offer free support schemes to help customers with particular needs.</p>

<p>This time last year, a major power cut left thousands of consumers without electricity. Although it is unlikely a power failure of this scale will happen again, to help consumers and minimise disruption, the General Consumer Council is reminding people of the practical steps they can take if their electricity goes off.</p>

<p>While the General Consumer Council has welcomed the publication of the first ever fuel poverty strategy for Northern Ireland, it says that the strategy fails to deliver the resources to tackle the scourge that leaves 203,000 households unable to heat their homes.</p>

<p>Phoenix Natural Gas (PNG) has today announced that gas bills are to rise by 11.3 per cent as a result of its annual price review.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council has welcomed today’s news that the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) and Phoenix Natural Gas (PNG) have reached agreement on the future of the gas industry in Greater Belfast.</p>

<p>Electricity consumer representative, the General Consumer Council today welcomed the announced extension to the current NIE supply price control. This controls how much NIE can charge their customers. It also encourages NIE to make cost savings that it can pass onto customers.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council has today welcomed Phoenix Natural Gas’ (PNG) announcement that it has withdrawn the suspended 20 per cent increase in the price of gas announced in April 2004. The announcement follows an agreement on wholesale gas prices with Centrica, PNG’s gas supplier.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council says today’s announcement of a coal price rise is a major blow for the one in three coal users here who live on less than £135 per week</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today welcomed the publication of new codes of practice by Phoenix Natural Gas.</p>

<p>Did you know that you do not need to be qualified or registered to fit an oil-fired central heating system in Northern Ireland?</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today welcomed the minister, Barry Gardiner’s announcement that the proposed 20 per cent hike in natural gas prices is to be suspended.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today welcomed the report issued by the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation into the ongoing Phoenix gas price increase issue.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council expressed surprise and disappointment at Phoenix Natural Gas's confirmation that it is going ahead with its 20 per cent price on 1 April 2004.</p>
<p><a href="mailto:[email protected]">Click here</a> to share your views on the gas price increase.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council has today welcomed the Ian Pearson, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s statement on moves to deal with the gas increase.</p>

<p>Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive of the General Consumer Council said: “The General Consumer Council very much welcomes the statement issued today by Douglas McIldoon, the energy Regulator, calling on Phoenix Natural Gas to delay any implementation of a price increase for two months to give necessary space to resolve outstanding issues.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today demanded that Phoenix Natural Gas withdraw its proposed 20 per cent price hike until consumers’ questions are answered. The increase, due to take effect on 1 April 2004, comes on top of a 10.8 per cent rise in October 2003.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council has described the staggering 20 per cent increase in household gas bills announced by Phoenix Natural Gas today as a bitter blow for consumers. It comes on top of a 10.8 per cent rise in October 2003. The combined impact of these increases means the average Phoenix customer will now be paying between £71 and £170 extra a year for their gas.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today said that it was satisfied that NIE’s decision to raise electricity prices by 2.8 per cent reflects the costs of providing electricity for domestic customers.</p>

<p>Do you know where to go if you have an unresolved complaint about electricity, natural gas, passenger transport or coal? The answer is the General Consumer Council.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today criticised the latest coal price increase. The average coal user, burning two bags of coal a week, will now pay between £20 and £60 extra a year to heat their homes.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council is working with Northern Ireland Electricity to keep consumers informed about the current loss of power due to generation problems.</p>

<p>A life of misery in a freezing cold house belongs in the past. Unfortunately, it is a reality for one in three families here who cannot afford to keep warm and well.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council voiced its disapproval at the excessive 10.8 per cent rise in gas prices announced today (1 October). With one in three gas consumers here living on less than £135 per week, the Council is particularly concerned about the impact that this hike will have on people who are finding it hard to make ends meet.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council, the energy watchdog, today urged electricity consumers to contact NIE to find out if they are entitled to goodwill payments.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs here.</p>

<p>It’s all change for local electricity users today as energy watchdog, the General Consumer Council becomes the voice of electricity consumers.</p>

<p>Price and convenience make natural gas a winner with Northern Ireland’s consumers. However, they are demanding improvements in customer service from the gas industry. These findings were revealed in Gas Watch, the latest report by energy watchdog, the General Consumer Council.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today criticised the latest round of coal price rises, due to take effect next Monday 23rd September.</p>

<p>Northern Ireland’s gas consumer watchdog, the General Consumer Council, today responded to the news that Phoenix Natural Gas has kept its pledge of keeping price rises below the rate of inflation.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council called on the local oil industry to bring an end to rumours and panic by issuing a clear statement on availability and prices.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council have heavily criticised the oil industry for today’s hike in oil prices.</p>

<p>Responding to the announcement by Phoenix Natural Gas that their prices will go up by less than the rate of inflation, in October</p>

<p>Coal users are being burnt by a third price hike in 13 months, according to the General Consumer Council.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council welcomes the Minister’s decision to give it wider powers to represent consumers on the full range of energy matters including electricity.</p>

Snow and plunging temperatures over the past month meant that most homes in Northern Ireland turned up the heat.

<p>The General Consumer Council today criticised the latest round of coal price rises, due to take effect next Monday 30th October.</p>

<p>Many customers of Phoenix Natural Gas could end up losers following the price increases, warned the General Consumer Council, the independent energy watchdog.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today hit out at price increases announced by Phoenix Natural Gas, claiming that they may be unfair to certain consumers. The figures listed by Phoenix in their Home Energy Comparison table show increases of up to 8.5%.</p>

<p>The General Consumer Council today issued a warning following a meeting with oil industry chiefs over claims that oil was cheaper and safer than other fuels.</p>

<p>Northern Ireland’s consumers are forking out an astonishing £2 million MORE each week for their fuel, light and power compared with the UK average according to the General Consumer Council. This is equal to £3.10 a week for every household.</p>

<p>In launching its Annual Report, the General Consumer Council has called for action to tackle fuel poverty.</p>

<p>Low-income energy consumers should get fair treatment. That was the call made today by Mrs Joan Whiteside, Chairman of the General Consumer Council.</p>

The report issued by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) today states that on the whole competition is working in the home heating oil (HHO) industry. However, consumers in Northern Ireland are telling the Consumer Council that competition and choice are luxuries of the wealthier.

Loretta O’Hara, Head of Consumer Support at the Consumer Council said:

“The Consumer Council has been in contact with Mr McCarter regarding the £67,000 quotation he received from NIE for a new electricity supply to his home. Mr McCarter is a 74-year-old pensioner who survives on a weekly pension of £100 so the reality is he cannot pay this bill. The Consumer Council has the legal power to represent electricity consumers here and we will be investigating this issue on behalf of Mr McCarter.

<p>The Consumer Council says the six per cent increase in coal prices announced today is a blow to the 120,000 coal consumers in Northern Ireland. Someone using two bags of the most popular coal will now pay an extra £60 a year to heat their home.</p>

<p>Domestic consumers in Northern Ireland’s fork out an astonishing £2 million more each week compared with the UK average for fuel, light and power according to Frozen Out, a new report on fuel poverty by the General Consumer Council.</p>

The Consumer Council has described the 14.5 per cent increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas today as a hard but predictable blow to the household budget. The average Phoenix customer will now pay around £77 extra per year. The Consumer Council also called on the Regulator to move quickly to pass through any savings to consumers if gas costs start falling as they are predicted to do.