Following an increase in global wholesale gas prices, firmus energy has announced today (23 March 2021) that natural gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast Network area will increase by 14% from 15th April 2021. This announcement follows two price reductions totalling 20% over the last 18 months.
The change in tariff price means that the average household bill will rise by £1.32 per week1.
The Greater Belfast Network area covers Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Groomsport, Millisle, Newtownards, Carryduff, Comber, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Larne, and East Down.
Michael Scott, Managing Director of firmus energy, said:
“We know that price stability is important for our customers but the increase of wholesale natural gas costs on the global market, which are beyond our control, have unfortunately made this increase inevitable.
“Any increase is never welcome news and we recognise this comes at a particularly difficult time for many. We want to assure our customers that we will continue to monitor and review our tariffs to ensure customers are getting the best prices possible”.
“There is a clear ambition to reduce Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions in Northern Ireland. Every home converting from oil to natural gas benefits from an immediate CO2 reduction of 48%2”.
Customers seeking advice on their natural gas bills or direct debit payments should contact the firmus energy Customer Services team on 0330 024 9000. Anyone seeking information on connecting or switching to firmus energy natural gas can also go to www.firmusenergy.co.uk
For free and independent advice on how to save energy please contact NI Energy Advice Line on 0800 1422865.
ENDS
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Notes to editors:
firmus energy is a natural gas distribution and supply company, based in Antrim. Since 2005, firmus energy supplies natural gas to over 104,000 customers across Northern Ireland, with over 50,000 customers in the Greater Belfast Network area, over 50,000 in their Ten Towns Network area and customers in the gas to the west network.
The Greater Belfast Network area covers Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Groomsport, Millisle, Newtownards, Carryduff, Comber, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Larne, and East Down
1This is based on Medium Typical Domestic Consumption Value of 12,000kWh per year as published by OFGEM. £1.32 is based on a typical firmus energy Greater Belfast home Credit customer. A typical Greater Belfast home PAYG customer will increase by £1.31 per week.
2Estimate based on converting from inefficient oil boiler to efficient gas boiler and assuming annual average fuel consumption
