Dickson Expresses Concern at Rising Energy Prices

East Antrim Alliance MLA, Stewart Dickson, has expressed his concern at the ‘perfect storm’ that will lead to significant increases in energy bills this winter.

Previously the Utility Regulator had warned that Northern Ireland households will face substantially higher energy bills this winter. On 3 September, SSE Airtricity was the latest utility company to announce a price rise, indicating that its natural gas prices for households and businesses will increase by 21.8% from October.

Reacting to this, Mr Dickson said: “Households have seen budgets strained through the Covid-19 Pandemic, and higher electricity and gas bills will put additional stress on many.

“I understand that these rises are as a result of major increases in wholesale prices, however it is vital that the Utility Regulator ensure ongoing assessment of prices, so that consumers pay a fair tariff for energy. There is of course the major concern that fuel poverty will increase significantly as bills go up.

“I would also strongly recommend that constituents visit the Consumer Council’s website for advice, and to check whether they can save money on their energy bills by switching suppliers”.