Northern Ireland energy prices rise amid new electricity support scheme

Households in Northern Ireland are facing increased financial pressure due to rising energy costs. SSE Airtricity, the region's largest natural gas provider, has implemented a price increase of nearly 19% for its 200,000 domestic and small business customers. This hike is expected to raise the annual gas bill for a typical household in the greater Belfast and west gas network areas by approximately £172. The company attributed the rise to volatility in global energy markets and higher wholesale gas prices.

To mitigate rising costs, the government-funded Household Electricity Discount Scheme will begin rolling out next week. Budget Energy customers in Northern Ireland will receive a one-off £63 discount on their electricity. The credit will be automatically applied to the next bill for bill-pay customers or provided as credit for keypad users starting Tuesday, October 6. The scheme is intended to assist all households regardless of income or usage and is planned to continue through 2027 and 2028.

Charity Marie Curie has called for a ‘social tariff’ for individuals with terminal illnesses to help manage the essential energy costs associated with their care, noting that current support is limited.