It’s been a summer of rising energy prices and SSE Airtricity (Gas) are the latest supplier to announce they are putting up prices for their customers from 1st October 2021.
And as we head towards autumn and the start of winter our home energy use really starts to ramp up so this large increase to prices will be unwelcome news for SSE Airtricity customers.
What does the price increase mean for customers?
An increase of 21.8% is a substantial hike for the 183,000 SSE Airtricity gas customers across the Greater Belfast and Gas in the West network areas. And this is on the back of a price increase of 9.8%, SSE Airtricity gas introduced on 1st April, which added £45 to an average bill.
Looking at this latest increase in more detail a typical domestic customer will see their bill rise by £112 to around £626 per year.
So, since April 2021, SSE Airtricity gas customers have seen prices increase by 31%, adding £157 to their bill.
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:
“Almost 90% of a customer’s gas tariff is accounted for through Transmission, Distribution and Commodity costs. Over the last year, commodity costs have risen sharply, with the cost of purchasing natural gas on the wholesale market more than doubling since last summer.”
“These sustained increases are compounded by short supply and robust demand on global markets. Gas storage levels are also severely reduced, almost 30% lower than the same point in 2019 and 2020. All of this combines to put upward pressure on costs which must be reflected in our price change.”
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
