Review your energy bills following SSE Airtricity 7.8% gas tariff increase, says The Consumer Council

The Consumer Council is encouraging consumers to consider ways to save on their household energy bills, following the announcement that SSE Airtricity is to put up gas prices in the Greater Belfast  area by 7.8%, with effect from 1 April 2018. 

Speaking about the price increase, Richard Williams, Head of Energy at The Consumer Council said: “Whilst unwelcome news, we know that the SSE Airtricity domestic gas price is regulated and the component parts of the price are analysed by the Utility Regulator. Therefore consumers are paying a price that reflects the increased cost of supplying gas. Consumers need to consider all the ways that they can save on their energy bills, including shopping around and becoming more energy efficient. 

“Now is a good time for consumers to take control of all their energy bills and review all their energy costs, including electricity. The Consumer Council’s free online Energy Price Comparison Tool lets consumers compare gas and electricity tariffs currently available with all suppliers. Switching payment, changing billing method or implementing simple energy efficiency measures, can also help save money. We have lots of resources to help; including a step by step switching guide and energy efficiency advice.”

 
The increase will affect 150,000 SSE Airtricity gas customers in Belfast and new domestic customers in Strabane. It will see a typical household annual gas bill rise by £39 per year. 

Copies of all resources and guides are available from our website www.consumercouncil.org.uk, by phoning 0800 121 6022, or via our Facebook or Twitter.