SSE Airtricity Gas has announced that they are putting up prices for gas customers by a huge 28.3% from 1st October 2022.
The scale of the latest hike, coming on the back of several significant prices rises already this year will mean many people will genuinely be worried about how they will pay their energy bills this winter.
What does the price increase mean for customers?
An increase of 28.3% is a substantial hike for the 187,000 SSE Airtricity gas customers across the ‘Greater Belfast’ and ‘Gas in the West’ network areas.
This will mean a typical customer with a credit meter will see their bill rise by a further £351. Customers with a prepayment gas (PAYG) meter will see an increase of around £348 per year.
The latest increase comes on the back of increases in April and July this year already. Since April 2022 customers will have seen their bills increase by almost 110% adding around £965 to a typical annual bill.
What SSE Airtricity Gas 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:
Unfortunately, the global energy picture continues to deteriorate, and this is not the news we want to be giving our customers. The war in Ukraine is significantly impacting wholesale gas markets in the UK and EU with the cost of purchasing gas remaining stubbornly higher than previous years, affecting energy suppliers across Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
“We know energy prices remain a priority concern across Northern Ireland, especially as colder weather is approaching. We would encourage any customer who is concerned or having difficulty with their energy costs to please contact us, and we will work with you to find a solution together. In the meantime, we will continue to watch markets closely. While it is difficult to know when wholesale prices will improve, we will pass on any reductions as soon as it is possible to do so.”
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.
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
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[1] Annual cost is calculated using a typical annual consumption of 12,000kWh
