Gas firm Firmus have announced a 24.5% increase in their bills saying it will hit customers from July 1.
The company blamed “sustained increases in global wholesale gas prices”, adding that they have “forced” them to announce the increases.
The tariff rise applies to their ‘Greater Belfast Network’ area and will mean, they say, an extra £5.68 per week on to the average household bill.
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The Consumer Council says the news will impact approximately 49,000 domestic and small business gas customers in the Greater Belfast area and means the annual gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £300 per year. Customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £295 per year, the Consumer Council added.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “Every one of the frequent energy price increases has meant a growing number of people being really badly impacted and we know from working with consumers that many are having to choose specific days and times when they can heat their homes and put on their lights. High prices will make the coming winter miserable for many and life threatening for some without the introduction of significant support for consumers.
“These increases, mainly due to the sustained high price of wholesale gas, follow well-publicised rises in home heating oil, coal, electricity, grocery, and transport fuel costs. This is particularly bad news for consumers in vulnerable situations and low-income households. It also means a wider group of households than before are having their budgets stretched ever further.”
Niall Martindale, Interim Managing Director of firmus energy, added: “Sustained increases in wholesale commodity costs continue to affect the market and unfortunately we have no choice but to reflect these increases in our tariffs.
“Energy prices have increased across the board with similar rises in the cost of home heating oil, coal and electricity. We know this is not welcome, however, tariffs are set as a direct consequence of prices on the global market and are completely beyond our control. We are committed to reducing tariffs as soon as the market crisis subsides and enables us to do so.
“We appreciate it’s a very difficult time for many and we urge any of our customers who need further support to call our dedicated local team to discuss ways in which we can help. firmus energy previously supported the Department for Communities Energy Payment Support Scheme and we stand prepared to engage with Government on any future initiatives.”
The company said the announcement does not impact the Ten Towns Network area.
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