Northern Ireland’s firmus energy announces 38% gas price hike

From 3 December 2021, firmus energy’s Ten Towns customers in Northern Ireland will be faced with a 38% increase in gas prices.

This is the third time the firm has had to increases prices in 2021, with customers experiencing a 35% rise in October following an 18% increase earlier in the year.

The decision will affect around 55,000 customers across firmus energy’s Ten Towns network area, which includes Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Coleraine, Craigavon, Londonderry and Newry counties.

Stew Horne, head of policy at Energy Saving Trust, commented: “The 38% increase in gas prices announced today by firmus energy will have a significant impact, which we know will be difficult for many of the energy firm’s customers in Northern Ireland. This additional rise, which is the largest of three announced this year, is being driven by increases in wholesale global gas prices.

“As administrators of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme (NISEP) on behalf of the Utility Regulator, Energy Saving Trust understand the energy efficiency challenges in Northern Ireland. We encourage customers affected and concerned to contact the Northern Ireland Energy Advice line, managed by The Housing Executive, for further information on the energy efficiency schemes available to them.

“Looking forward, we are calling for Northern Ireland’s energy strategy, due to be published by the end of this year, to take action that will address these energy price rises. We hope to see the strategy lay out steps to improve building fabric, including insulation and to provide low cost loans and financial support for vulnerable households. In addition to reducing energy bills, ensuring energy costs are affordable is also crucial to enable Northern Ireland to reach net zero targets.”

To access the Northern Ireland Energy Advice line, visit the Housing Executive – Community. For more information on the support available through NISEP, visit the Utility Regulator’s website.