The sustained increases in global wholesale gas prices have forced Northern Ireland’s largest gas supplier, firmus energy, to announce increases to its natural gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast Network area of 37%. This increase will take effect from 3rd May 2022.
Today’s announced change in tariffs will mean an extra £6.25 per week[1] on to the average household bill in the Greater Belfast Network area.
Niall Martindale, Interim Managing Director of firmus energy, said:
“Energy markets remain at very high levels having been adversely affected by the war in Ukraine. This has been reflected across the board with increases in the costs of Home Heating Oil, coal, electricity and gas. Regrettably, the sheer scale of the increased costs involved give us no alternative but to pass on to our customers the higher costs we are having to pay for the gas we supply.
firmus energy is committed to reducing its tariff for all customers as soon as the market crisis subsides and enables us to do so.”
Outlining what firmus energy is doing to help its customers, Niall Martindale continued:
“We understand it is a tough time for many of our customers and we have been providing financial and administrative support to the Department for Communities scheme to help those most in need. If any of our customers need further support, I would urge them to call our dedicated local team to see if we can help.”
Customers seeking advice on their natural gas bills or direct debit payments should contact the firmus energy Customer Services team on 0330 024 9000 or info@firmusenergy.co.uk. For free and independent advice on how to save energy please contact NI Energy Advice Line on 0800 111 4455.
This announcement does not impact the Ten Towns Network area.
[1] This is based on a typical Medium Home Consumption Value of 12,000kWh per year as published by OFGEM. £6.25 is based on a typical Greater Belfast network home PAYG customer. A typical Greater Belfast network home credit customer will increase by £6.34 per week.
ENDS
Media contact: Open Strategic Communications - 028 9590 2968
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 110,000 across Northern Ireland.
- firmus energy is Northern Ireland’s largest gas supplier by consumption.
- The Greater Belfast Network area covers Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Larne, Groomsport, Millisle, Newtownards, Carryduff, Comber, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and East Down.
