SSE Airtricity has become the fifth Irish energy provider to announce price hikes for its customers from May 1.
The energy supplier said the change was in response to sustained increases in wholesale energy costs, “which have disrupted energy markets across Europe.”
This change will see an average electricity customer’s bill increase by 24%, which will result in an extra €338 in an annual bill. In comparison, an average customer’s gas bill will go up by 32.3%, costing an additional €333 annually.
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Customers will be charged an additional €6.50 per week on an average electricity bill and €6.40 per week on the average gas bill.
However, the company will not be increasing its standing charges, unlike Bord Gáis Energy and ESB’s Electric Ireland.
The move is set to impact 250,000 electricity customers and 85,000 gas customers.
Dual fuel household bills will increase by 27.5% on average, equivalent to around €12.89 per week.
The company has also announced a range of customer supports in response to the cost of living crisis, aimed at helping those who are under increased financial pressure.
These includes expanding its existing customer support fund by an additional €1 million, and making a €1 million charitable donation to a trusted charity partner which will be used to support people who are struggling with the cost of living as the global markets crisis continues.
The company also plans to provide up to 600 vulnerable customers with home energy efficiency upgrades at no cost.
Klair Neenan, Managing Director of SSE Airtricity, said: “We know this price change will be disappointing for our customers and today’s announcement will not be welcome news. Throughout winter, we have worked hard to limit the local impact of the global energy crisis by absorbing record high wholesale energy costs, hoping to see pressure on prices ease. Sadly, this has not been the case and energy prices continue to demonstrate sharp volatility and upward pressure. Regrettably, this must now be reflected in our prices.”
“SSE Airtricity has a longstanding and continued commitment to working with and supporting customers in need. Last year, we began contacting customers who were experiencing financial pressure to provide support, including financial assistance, and establish a long-term plan to help them manage their energy needs. Today, in recognition of the difficulty being felt in many homes already, we are increasing our support services to include a further €1 million in assistance for customers through our expanded customer support fund. In addition, we are making a €1 million charitable donation to a trusted charity partner to deliver additional targeted support to those who are struggling with energy affordability and the increased cost of living."
She added: “As always, I would encourage any customer who is concerned about their energy costs to please contact us, and we will work with you to find a solution together.”
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