Double hit for consumers as SSE Airtricity announce electricity and gas price increases

The Consumer Council is calling on households to review their energy bills following today’s price increase announcement from SSE Airtricity.  152,000 gas customers in Greater Belfast and Strabane will see a price increase of 10.9%, while 170,000 electricity customers will see a price increase of 18.2%, from 1 October 2018.

The Consumer Council believes there is an opportunity for energy suppliers to offer more competitive products.

John French, Chief Executive of The Consumer Council, said: “SSE Airtricity are the third energy company to announce price increases this month. However, its unregulated electricity increase is higher than the regulated Power NI increase of 13.8%, announced earlier this month. SSE Airtricity needs to explain this difference to its customers.”

“With energy costs a top concern for Northern Ireland households, we would encourage all consumers to take control of their energy bills and to regularly check and compare tariffs to see if they could get a better deal. Switching payment, changing billing method or implementing simple energy efficiency measures, can also help save money.”

John added; “SSE Airtricity are currently the only energy supplier in NI offering both electricity and natural gas to domestic households. However unlike in GB they do not offer a single dual fuel product, which usually provides customers with additional discounts. Therefore we would like to see further innovation from all suppliers to help make it more attractive for households to switch.”

These increases will see a typical household annual gas bill rise by £56 and electricity bill by £92.

To support households, The Consumer Council, has a price comparison tool on its website (www.consumercouncil.org.uk) which allows consumers to compare gas and electricity available with all suppliers and advisors can provide one to one advice via freephone number, 0800 121 6022.