Firmus energy have announced a third price rise since January for gas customers in the Greater Belfast Network area. Natural gas tariffs are set to increase by 24.54% from the 1st July 2022.
This latest announcement will be further unwelcome news for their customers, which will push up energy prices even further.
What does the price increase mean for customers?
An increase of 24.54% is a huge hike for the 49,000 firmus energy customers across the Greater Belfast area.
Looking at this in more detail a typical domestic customer with a credit meter will see their bill rise by a further £300. Customers with a prepayment gas (PAYG) meter will see an increase of £295 per year.
This will be the third price increase since January 2022 by firmus energy in the Greater Belfast Network area:
- January 2022: Firmus energy increased prices by 19.48%
- May 2022: Firmus energy increased prices by 37%
- July 2022: Firmus energy will increase prices by 24.54%
So taken together, Firmus energy prices have increased by over 81% since the start of 2022. This has added around £775 to an average bill pay customers bill, or £763 to an average prepayment (PAYG) customers bill.
In the Greater Belfast network area domestic customers can currently choose between two suppliers – firmus energy and SSE Airtricity.
What firmus energy have said…
Niall Martindale, Interim Managing Director of firmus energy, said:
“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 costs 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.”
I’m a firmus energy customer…what network am I in?
All this talk of networks may get confusing…and we are not talking about mobile phones!
Northern Ireland is broken into three separate gas networks – these are the Greater Belfast area, the Ten Towns area and the West network area. Each is distinct and will have different suppliers, cost and tariff options.
The Greater Belfast (opereated by Phoenix Natural Gas) area covers: south, west, east and north Belfast; Carrickfergus; Newtownabbey; Duncrue and Harbour; Lisburn; Carryduff; Castlereagh; Newtownards; Larne; and North Down.
Only firmus energy customers in the Greater Belfast network are affected by this latest price announcement.
Get in touch with your energy supplier
As everyone realises, we are living in uncertain times. It’s important to get in touch with your energy supplier to discuss any payment issues or concerns and help manage your account. Even providing an up-to-date meter read can make sure your payments are accurate and up to date.
Finding a better deal…
At ‘Power to Switch’ we compare all tariffs and deals across all energy suppliers to save you money. Switching is quick, hassle-free and means you keep more money in your pocket. You don’t even have to tell your old supplier you are leaving!!!
For more information, advice and support on energy issues visit www.powertoswitch.co.uk or follow us on facebook or twitter
