Northern Ireland is facing another energy bill blow as Electric Ireland announces a massive hike in its electricity prices.
The firm is today telling its customers that their electricity bills are to rocket by 29% from next month.
Electric Ireland said the international energy crisis is continuing to impact wholesale energy prices with unprecedented increases in the last 12 months.
Read more: Single mum on pain of telling daughter she can't afford heating
Wholesale energy prices remain high and increasingly volatile with little sign of improvement in the medium term, they added.
Electric Ireland residential electricity will increase by 29% from October 1. This is the second increase from May 1 this year and will see the typical credit meter and keypad (PAYG) customers’ bills rise by approximately £5.29 per week or almost £275 per year.
Electric Ireland currently has 104,000 customers in Northern Ireland.
Bill Coyle, Head of Residential Northern Ireland, Electric Ireland said: “This continues to be a very challenging time for all energy consumers, and an unprecedented time in the energy industry.”
He continued: “It is with considerable reluctance that we are increasing electricity prices for our customers, which is necessary given the continuing increase in wholesale energy.
“We realise these price increases may be difficult for some customers to absorb. We would like to encourage any of our customers who are having difficulty in paying their bill to contact our customer care team.
"Our team also work closely with a number of organisations including Age NI, Advice NI and NEA who can provide support for our customers during these difficult times.”
Energy companies have announced a series of price increases in recent months, with SSE Airtricity confirming its latest rise of 35% in electricity and 28% for Northern Ireland customers last Friday.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, added: “This news will adversely impact all Electric Ireland customers who are already experiencing financial pressures on their household budget especially with the severe cost of living crisis that we are experiencing.
“Consumers who are struggling with their energy bills should contact their supplier directly for help and information. We would encourage all consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs. Switching payment option, changing billing method or switching supplier can save some money.”
He continued: “In the short term, the Consumer Council has been working in collaboration with government departments, the Utility Regulator, energy suppliers and third sector organisations, to try to put in place immediate support and advice to help those in energy crisis as the problem of high energy prices will impact many households this winter and beyond.
“In the longer term, this situation shows the importance of the Department for the Economy’s Energy Strategy Action Plan, that aims to tackle affordability and move us away from our dependence on fossil fuels and set us on the path to a more sustainable energy future.”
READ NEXT:
Family facing nightmare winter as monthly heating bill skyrockets
Lisburn councillor says community centres could house people unable to heat homes
- Cost of living: £400 energy discount 'to be delivered in Northern Ireland in November'
Northern Ireland's most vulnerable pupils are 'facing a crisis this winter'
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
