SSE Airtricity say the change takes effect from November 1
An elderly woman keeping warm using an electric heater (Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
A leading energy company is to hike prices further in Northern Ireland, it has been announced.
SSE Airtricity has announced it will charge customers another 4% for their electricity in Northern Ireland, blaming “market volatility and higher cost of doing business” for the increase.
The company, in a statement, said the increase is its first since January 2022.
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“Rising network and operator charges, market volatility and higher cost of doing business are the main factors behind the price increase,” a company spokesperson said.
Stephen Gallagher, Managing Director, said: “We know this news will be disappointing for customers and increasing our prices is always a last resort. We worked hard over the past few years, shielding customers from the full impact of the energy crisis, delivering two price reductions and an all island, market-leading, £21m customer support package to support those in financial difficulty.
“This price increase comes at a time of rising network and operator costs, which are outside of our control, and continued wholesale volatility which is leading to a higher cost of doing business.”
He added: “We are here to help and would urge any customers experiencing difficulty to contact us in confidence and we will work with them to find a solution together. We have payment plans, offers and tariffs in place to support customers this winter.”
SSE Airtricity say the increase amounts to around £44.68 per year on top of the annual bill for what it says is the “typical electricity customer”. The change takes effect from November 1.
A footnote added to the statement issued by SSE Airtricity states: “From 1 November the typical annual cost of home electricity will be £1,155.50 based on a customer on 24hr SmartSaver Standard credit meter tariff with typical consumptions of 3,200kWh. Figures inclusive of direct debit and eBill discount, unit rate, standing charge and VAT. Actual cost varies according to meter type, individual tariff and consumption.”
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