Northern Ireland

Power NI to raise electricity prices by 6.1%

Power NI, which supplies electricity to more than half of the north's homes, plans to introduce an inflation-busting price hike from October 1
Power NI, which supplies electricity to more than half of the north's homes, plans to introduce an inflation-busting price hike from October 1 Power NI, which supplies electricity to more than half of the north's homes, plans to introduce an inflation-busting price hike from October 1

THE biggest electricity supplier in Northern Ireland is to increase its prices by 6.1 per cent.

Power NI, which supplies electricity to more than half of the north's homes, plans to introduce the inflation-busting price hike from October 1.

The company blamed the rise on costs coming from the electricity network provider and market operator, which it said will impact all electricity suppliers.

It said the increase will add 67p a week on to a typical household electricity bill.

Stephen McCully, managing director of Power NI, said its prices remain competitive and the increase has been kept "as low as possible".

"Unfortunately, like all suppliers, we have no alternative but to pay these increased network and market charges, which have a knock-on effect on our prices," he said.

"Having been through a rigorous process with the Utility Regulator, our customers can be sure that although unwelcome, this increase is as low as possible."

The price rise is above the UK's consumer price index inflation rate of around two per cent.

Power NI, which is part of the Energia Group, plans to write to all customers giving them at least 21 days notice of the price change.

It encouraged customers to visit powerni.co.uk/pricing for help in potentially reducing their bill, while businesses and farmers can visit powerni.co.uk/business for details.

The company said the price rise has been kept "as low as possible"
The company said the price rise has been kept "as low as possible" The company said the price rise has been kept "as low as possible"