Firmus Energy has implemented tariff increases for customers across two regions in Northern Ireland effective in October. Customers in the Ten Towns area, encompassing approximately 77,000 households and small businesses, will experience an 8.98% price increase starting 1 October, translating to an additional £7 per month on average bills. Greater Belfast customers, numbering around 54,000, face a steeper 12.5% increase beginning 8 October, which will add approximately £12 monthly to their bills.
The company attributed the price increases to rising costs of gas on international energy markets, which it characterized as stemming from the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Sharleen Winning, head of regulation at Firmus Energy, stated the company had delayed implementing increases as long as feasible while anticipating potential global price reductions. She indicated the supplier will reduce tariffs promptly when market conditions permit such action.
The announcement by Firmus Energy follows a separate price increase disclosure from SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s largest natural gas provider. SSE Airtricity announced an approximately 19% price increase affecting its 200,000 customers, effective 1 October.
Leigh Greer from the Utility Regulator acknowledged the financial strain additional energy bill increases will impose on households and small businesses, particularly those already experiencing cost-of-living pressures. The regulator advised concerned customers to contact their suppliers to discuss available payment options and support measures, noting that suppliers can work with customers to identify suitable arrangements.
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