SSE Airtricity has announced another price hike for its gas and electricity customers.
The energy company says electricity prices will increase by 35.5% from October 1 while gas tariffs will rise by 28.4% on the same date.
The Consumer Council says gas customers with a credit meter can expect their annual bill to be £351 higher while those with a pre-paid meter will see a jump of around £348. It anticipates household electricity bills will increase to around £1,356 per year.
SSE Airtricity's last electricity cost increase, of 33%, took effect on June 1 while its gas price increased by 42.7% on July 1, following a previous rise in spring.
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The Consumer Council said the latest gas hike would hit around 188,000 domestic customers throughout the Greater Belfast and West gas networks, and approximately 4,600 commercial customers.
Peter McClenaghan, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the Consumer Council, said the organisation was "angry and fearful" on behalf of consumers.
"Already many of our households are at the brink. This announcement means consumers in Belfast face combined annual gas and electricity bills in excess of £2,500 a year, with further price increases to come," he added.
“We encourage anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or to top-up their meter, to contact their supplier directly for help and information. We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and, if you can, put some extra money aside for energy costs this winter.”
Customers who wish to speak to SSE Airtricity can do so by visiting https://www.airtricitygasni.com or by calling 0345 900 5253.
The Consumer Council’s website has a number of free resources including Switch On: A Guide for Home Energy Users to help consumers be more energy efficient at home
Consumers can also get free independent advice from the Consumer Council website and by calling it on Freephone 0800 121 6022 or emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk
Customers who wish to speak to SSE Airtricity can do so by visiting https://www.airtricitygasni.com or by calling 0345 900 5253.
- The Consumer Council’s website has a number of free resources including Switch On: A Guide for Home Energy Users to help consumers be more energy efficient at home
- Consumers can also get free independent advice from the Consumer Council website and by calling it on Freephone 0800 121 6022 or emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk
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