SSE Airtricity gas tariff increasing by 9.8%

SSE Airtricity gas customers in Northern Ireland will have to find extra money for their gas bill after they announced today (Friday 5 March 2021) an increase of 9.8% from 1 April 2021.

The increase will affect around 178,000 customers and means the yearly gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £46 to around £514 per year. Those customers with a prepayment gas (PAYG) meter will see their typical costs increase by £45 to around £507 per year.

Raymond Gormley, Interim Head of Energy at The Consumer Council said: “This news for SSE Airtricity gas customers in Northern Ireland comes at a time when many of these consumers are already concerned about the increased pressures COVID-19 has had on their household budgets. However, we are aware the main driver is the significant rise in the cost of wholesale gas globally over the last year.”

We work closely with the Utility Regulator to ensure consumers are protected and supported and that there are no unnecessary costs being added or additional profits being made by the supplier. Any consumers who are experiencing financial difficulty and are struggling to pay their energy bills should contact their supplier without delay to talk about how they can help during these times.”

The Consumer Council recognises that energy costs are one of the biggest household expenses. Their website (www.consumercouncil.org.uk) has a free independent energy price comparison tool for households and small businesses. In the last year over 71,000 consumers have used this tool to help them get the best electricity and gas deal. There are also a number of free resources including a Switch On: A Guide for Home Energy Users to help consumers be more energy efficient at home, get the best from their electricity or gas supply and save money.

Consumers can also get in touch with The Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling FREEPHONE 0800 121 6022 or by emailing [email protected].

Last updated 3 years ago