SSE Airtricity announces 19% gas price hike for Northern Ireland

SSE Airtricity has announced a 19.2% increase in gas prices, effective October 1. The hike will affect approximately 204,000 domestic customers across the Greater Belfast and West gas networks, as well as roughly 4,500 small commercial customers in Northern Ireland.

The Consumer Council estimates that a typical household with a credit meter will see annual gas bills rise by about £174, while those using prepayment meters will see an increase of approximately £172 per year.

SSE Airtricity attributed the price rise to continued volatility in global energy markets and high wholesale gas prices resulting from ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The tariff adjustment follows an independent review by the Utility Regulator and consultations with the Consumer Council and the Department for the Economy. Stephen Gallagher, managing director at SSE Airtricity, stated the firm had ‘no choice’ but to implement the increase due to unprecedented market volatility.