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Increase in world gas prices leads to tariff rise for Greater Belfast area

Increase in world gas prices leads to tariff rise next month for Greater Belfast area

As a result of substantial rises in global wholesale gas prices, firmus energy has announced today [29th September 2021] that natural gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast Network area will increase by 32.98% from the 22nd October 2021.

The change in tariff will mean an extra £3.51 per week1 on to the average household bill. Since the start of April 2021, global gas commodity prices have increased by 200%2.

The Greater Belfast Network area covers Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Larne, Groomsport, Millisle, Newtownards, Carryduff, Comber, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and East Down.

Michael Scott, Managing Director of firmus energy, said:

“We are very sorry that we have to make this announcement to our customers in the Greater Belfast area. However, given the huge increases in the cost of purchasing natural gas on the global markets, which have been well publicised in recent weeks, it is simply unavoidable, as these costs are totally beyond our control.

“With the world starting to reopen again, following the Covid-19 restrictions, this is leading to increased demand for natural gas and that has been driving the prices up”.

“We will continue to monitor and review our tariffs to ensure customers are getting the best prices possible.

“Any increase is never welcome, and we know this will come at a particularly difficult time for many.  We are fully committed to working with consumer bodies to best support our customers, especially in the forthcoming winter months”.

Customers seeking advice on their natural gas bills or direct debit payments should contact the firmus energy Customer Services team on 0330 024 9000.

For free and independent advice on how to save energy please contact NI Energy Advice Line on 0800 111 4455.

ENDS

For all media queries or interviews, please contact Open Strategic Communications:
Ross Williamson               ross@oscni.com 44 (0) 7734 821 070

Kelly McVeigh                  kelly@oscni.com 44 (0) 7580 850 224

Notes to editors:

  • firmus energy is a natural gas distribution and supply company, based in Antrim. Since 2005, firmus energy has connected over 50,000 customers in its network area (outside Greater Belfast) and supplies natural gas to over 108,000 across Northern Ireland.
  • The Greater Belfast Network area covers Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Groomsport, Millisle, Newtownards, Carryduff, Comber, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Larne, and East Down.
  • The Ten Towns area includes Antrim, Armagh, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Coleraine, Craigavon (including Lurgan and Portadown), Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, Newry and more than 25 other towns and villages in the surrounding areas.
  • There is a clear ambition to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in Northern Ireland. Every home converting from an old inefficient oil heating system to a new natural gas heating system benefits from an immediate CO2 reduction of up to 48%”. (assumes average annual usage)

1This is based on typical Medium Home Consumption Value of 12,000kWh per year as published by OFGEM. £3.51 is based on a typical firmus energy Greater Belfast home PAYG customer. A typical Greater Belfast home credit customer will increase by £3.55 per week.

2Based on Within Day NBP gas commodity costs on 24th September 2021 versus 1st April 2021

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