MORE than 50,000 natural gas customers across Northern Ireland will see their bills slashed for the second time in a year, this time by an average of £63 a year.
Firmus energy, which reduced tariffs by 21 per cent in April, is applying another 12.5 per cent cut from October 1, leaving domestic and business customers with their lowest bills in nearly a decade.
And it means bills in the north will be around 37 per cent below the Bord Gais standard tariff in the Republic and 10 per cent lower than the default tariff cap level in Britain.
The reductions will apply in firmus's Ten Towns area (Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Coleraine, Craigavon, Limavady, Derry and Newry) but at this stage not in greater Belfast.
“This comes as a great relief in these difficult times, particularly for those in vulnerable circumstances, at a time when the average weekly discretionary income of £119 a week in Northern Ireland is around £100 lower than the rest of the UK,” said Michael Legg, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council.
Michael Scott, managing director at firmus energy, said: “We recognise many households and businesses are facing severe financial uncertainty because of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, while others will have seen their energy consumption change significantly as a result of working and schooling from home.
“We appreciate the hardship many customers are facing and are committed to providing the lowest possible prices to ensure natural gas continues to be an attractive offering for both domestic and business customers.”
The reduction follows consultation with the Utility Regulator, Consumer Council and Department for the Economy.
