It’s been a week of rising gas prices and SSE Airtricity are the latest supplier to announce they are putting up prices for their customers from 1st April 2021.
Although Spring is normally a time of year when home energy use starts to decrease with continuing restrictions and ‘stay at home’ message our energy use remains high so this will be unwelcome news for SSE Airtricity customers.
What does the price increase mean for customers?
An increase of 9.8% is a substantial hike for the 178,000 SSE Airtricity gas customers across the Greater Belfast and Gas in the West network areas.
Looking at this in more detail a typical domestic customer with a credit meter will see their bill rise by £46 to around £514 per year. Customers with a prepayment gas (PAYG) meter will see an increase of £45 to around £507 per year.
What SSE Airtricity have said…
SSE Airtricity have stated that the main driver for the price increase is due to rising wholesale costs which are beyond their control and make up a significant part of the final bill paid by each customer.
Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity General Manager (NI) said:
“We know this is a very challenging time for a lot of customers and this decision has not been taken lightly. The cost of purchasing natural gas has materially increased compared to this time last year and, while we have worked hard to shield our customers from these costs through the winter, we unfortunately have no alternative but to increase our prices at this time.
“SSE Airtricity has a longstanding history of working with our customers and we will continue to do so. As always, we are encouraging any customer who is having difficulty with their energy costs to contact us and we will do everything we can to find a solution together.
I’m a SSE Airtricity energy customer…what network am I in?
SSE Airtricity is the regulated gas supplier across two network areas in Northern Ireland – the Greater Belfast Network and West Network area. As the regulated gas supplier in these areas the price increases have been approved by the Utility Regulator.
The Greater Belfast (Phoenix Distribution area) covers: south, west, east and north Belfast; Carrickfergus; Newtownabbey; Duncrue and Harbour; Lisburn; Carryduff; Castlereagh; Newtownards; Larne; and North Down.
The West Network (SGN Distribution area) is bringing gas to areas including Coalisland, Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt, Omagh, Enniskillen, Strabane and Derrylin.
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.
Independent help and information is also available from Advice NI who provide impartial advice on a range of services to consumers in Northern Ireland.
Advice NI Phone Number: 0800 111 4455
Finding a better deal…
At ‘Power to Switch’ we compare all tariffs and deals across all electricity 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
[1] Annual cost is calculated using a typical annual consumption of 12, 000kWh
