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.
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.
This is a further blow for consumers following recent electricity tariff increases by the three largest electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland.
Speaking about the price increase, Richard Williams, Head of Energy Policy at The Consumer Council, said: “This is unwelcome news for Firmus Energy customers, following a 6.8% increase in the Ten Towns area and 8.8% increase in Greater Belfast earlier this year. However, we are aware the main driver is the significant rise in global gas costs since the tariff was last set in April.
“From 1 October, the annual bill for a typical Firmus Energy customer in Ten Towns will increase by £72 a year to £666.
“Firmus Energy is the sole supplier of gas in the Ten Towns. We would like to see other gas licence holders enter the market so that consumers there can benefit from competition. While this is not currently as option, customers may be able to save money by implementing simple energy efficiency measures.
“A typical Firmus Energy customer in Greater Belfast will see their annual bill increase by £65 to £604. We would encourage these customers to shop around and get the best possible deal. The Consumer Council’s free online price comparison tool will help consumers check if they are on the best deal.”
For more information on energy efficiency measures, download The Consumer Council’s ‘Switch On: A Guide for Home Energy Users’ from www.consumercouncil.org.uk or call Freephone 0800 121 6022 for a copy.
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