Firmus energy have announced a further price rise for gas customers in the Greater Belfast Network area. Natural gas tariffs are set to increase by 37% from the 3rd May 2022.
Last week, firmus energy increased prices for their customers in the ‘Ten Town’ network area by so this latest announcement, although not unexpected is still unwelcome news for their customers.
So, with these latest increases, unfortunately energy bills are set to climb even further as well.
What does the price increase mean for customers?
An increase of 37% is a huge hike for the 48,000 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 £330. Customers with a prepayment gas (PAYG) meter will see an increase of £325 per year.
This will be the third price increase since April 2021 by firmus energy in the Greater Belfast Network area:
- April 2021: Firmus energy increased prices by 14%.
- October 2021: Firmus energy increased prices by 35.15%
- January 2022: Firmus energy increased prices by 19.48%
So taken together, Firmus energy prices have increased by over 130% since April. This has added around £729 to an average bill pay customers bill, or £718 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:
“Energy markets remain at very high levels having been adversely affected by the war in Ukraine. This has been reflected across the board with increases in the costs of Home Heating Oil, coal, electricity, and gas. Regrettably the sheer scale of the increased costs involved give us no alternative but to pass on to our customers the higher costs we are having to pay for the gas we supply.
“firmus energy is committed to reducing its tariff for all customers 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
