Dickson Dismayed by Yet Another Tariff Increase for Firmus Energy Customers

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has voiced his dismay at yet another tariff increase for Firmus Energy customers. The natural gas supplier has stated that customers in the Greater Belfast area will face a 19.5% increase in tariffs.

Mr Dickson said: “This announcement is another massive blow for the people of Northern Ireland who have faced price increase after price increase.

“This tariff change will mean an extra £2.75 per week will be added on to the average household bill, with crippling effects for the most vulnerable in society”.

At the beginning of December, Firmus Energy put gas prices up by 38% for customers in the Ten Towns network area. This was on top of gas price increases of 35% in October and 18% earlier in the year.

Mr Dickson said: “The major issues Firmus Energy are grappling with are shared by energy suppliers across gas, oil and electricity.

“Here in Northern Ireland, wholesale costs make up 50% of customers' gas bills, which is why global increases have such a big effect locally. The Utility Regulator has capped the amount of profit gas providers can make at about 2%. But it has no control over wholesale energy costs, which is one of the key reasons for the price rises”.

Mr Dickson concluded by saying: “This is an issue of huge concern across Northern Ireland. Especially as price hike upon price increase will have a disproportionately negative effect on the most vulnerable.

“My heart goes out to the 50,000 pensioners in Northern Ireland who are already living in poverty. Not only will their gas bills be going up again, but with Omicron gaining traction, they are less likely to be out and about this winter.

“It is clear that more needs to be done to get a grip on these spiraling costs, whilst in the meantime, more must be done to support the citizens of Northern Ireland who deserve warm homes this winter”.

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