Households in Northern Ireland face rising energy bills as price hikes come into effect, driving up cost of living concerns.
On Thursday, SSE Airtricity, the largest supplier of natural gas in Northern Ireland, raised its prices by nearly 19%. This change affects approximately 200,000 domestic and small business customers, and for a typical household in areas like greater Belfast and the west gas network, this could mean an annual increase of around £172 on their gas bills. The company attributes this price hike to “unprecedented levels of volatility in global energy markets and higher wholesale gas prices.” This comes as UK wholesale gas prices have effectively doubled since recent geopolitical events in the Middle East.
Impact on Families and Individuals
Lucy Kells, a mother of two on maternity leave in east Belfast, anticipates a challenging winter. She asserts that families, especially with young children, are forced to keep their heating on, exacerbating financial strain with rising costs. Despite careful budgeting, she feels financial situations are increasingly beyond individual control.
Nuala Hyde, manager of Woodstock Library in east Belfast, has observed a surge in visitors taking advantage of free activities to offset living costs. The library offers a warm and inviting space, especially for older individuals who spend extended periods to stay warm.
Student Struggles and Future Plans
Ryan McStay, a final-year student at St Mary’s University College Belfast, expressed dismay at receiving a 12.5% rise notice for energy bills from Firmus Energy. With the cost of living becoming unbearable, Ryan, from Newry, plans to relocate abroad after completing his studies, citing these financial conditions as a driving force behind his decision.
Hospice Care and Rising Energy Needs
Naomi Campbell, an urgent hospice care nurse with Marie Curie, highlights the impact on those with terminal illnesses. She notes that rising energy costs worsen fuel poverty among patients who need to prioritise warmth and power for essential medical equipment. Campbell advocates for a special “social tariff” to support these households financially during their final months.
Meanwhile, Share Energy announced a 12.6% hike in electricity prices, raising the typical household bill by an additional £129 annually for its 41,000 customers. Raymond Gormley from the Consumer Council warns of further price increases from unregulated suppliers, driven by sustained instability in wholesale energy costs linked to geopolitical events.
Measures for Energy Relief
This month, Northern Irish households will receive a £63 reduction on electricity bills, funded by the UK government. Customers who pay by bank will see automatic deductions, whereas pay-as-you-go users will receive credit upon topping up. Additionally, a £100 voucher scheme has been introduced for some heating oil users, jointly funded by Stormont and the UK government. Rising tensions between the US and Iran have doubled the price of 500 litres of home heating oil, now costing around £560 — a significant jump from last year.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.