SSE Airtricity is to increase natural gas prices in Northern Ireland by almost 40 per cent.
The company says the move is in response to sustained pressure on international energy markets
SSE Airtricity confirmed on Friday that it will increase its regulated natural gas prices by 39%.
This tariff change means a typical household customer will see an annual increase of £244.00, equivalent to around £0.67 per day.
The price change comes into effect from 1 April 2022 and will apply to all domestic and small business customers supplied by SSE Airtricity.
SSE Airtricity says the decision is due to continued pressure on global energy markets has a significant impact on energy suppliers’ ability to keep prices down.
As seen through other supplier announcements and recent messages from the Utility Regulator, international energy costs are having a direct impact on homes and businesses in Northern Ireland, it says.
Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity General Manager (NI) said: “We understand this news will be unwelcome, if not unexpected, to our customers, given the extensive media focus on wholesale markets over the last 6 months. The cost of purchasing natural gas on the wholesale market has reached record highs this winter and regrettably, a proportion of this must be reflected in our prices.
“In March 2021 gas cost around 50 pence per therm, today that cost is around £2 per therm after hitting as high as £4.50 per therm late last year. SSE Airtricity has a longstanding history of working with our customers and we have made every effort to minimise the impact on them.
“We would encourage any customer who is having difficulty with their energy costs to contact us, and we will work with you to find a solution together.
“There is also free Independent help and information available from the Consumer Council and Advice NI who provide a range of impartial services to consumers in Northern Ireland including advice about saving energy.”
As a regulated gas supplier in Northern Ireland, SSE Airtricity’s tariffs are independently scrutinised and approved by the Utility Regulator, and in consultation with the Consumer Council and the Department for the Economy.
This tariff review, it says, has been undertaken during a period of unprecedented energy market volatility and record highs in wholesale natural gas costs, which if sustained will require further tariff changes in the coming months.
Customers who wish to speak to SSE Airtricity can do so by calling the number below or visiting https://www.airtricitygasni.com/.
SSE Airtricity Gas NI Phone Number: 0345 900 5253
The Consumer Council, Freephone: 0800 121 6022
Advice NI Phone Number: 0800 915 4604
