Further blow to consumers as two more electricity suppliers announce increases | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Further blow to consumers as two more electricity suppliers announce increases

Consumers in Northern Ireland need to be provided with clear and transparent information as to why the price they pay for their electricity has increased, according to The Consumer Council.

Speaking to Newry Times, Paulino Garcia, Head of Energy Policy at The Consumer Council said, “Consumers in Northern Ireland want to know exactly what they are paying for and why.

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“The announcement by Electric Ireland and SSE Airtricity to increase their prices by 8% and 6.9% respectively from the 1 October will confuse consumers as the wholesale gas market has fallen by 49% over the last year.

 

 

“It is important that consumers in Northern Ireland know that they are being treated fairly.

“Consumers, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, will need to understand exactly how this increase has occurred.

Paulino continued, “This is especially relevant as the Office of National Statistics Family Spending Survey shows that households in Northern Ireland spend £68, or 11.50%, more per year on electricity than the UK average.

“It is important, therefore, that the energy industry in Northern Ireland places a central focus on building consumer trust.

 

 

“The electricity market in Northern Ireland is complex and consumers need to receive information and reassurances that they are receiving the best possible electricity price.

“We will be seeking assurances from both SSE Airtricity and Electric Ireland that their latest increases are fair and justified,” Paulino added.

Electricity consumers can still make savings if they switch supplier when the increases take place.

The Consumer Council has a free, independent, online energy price comparison tool providing an easy way to compare prices, available at www.consumercouncil.org.uk.

 

 

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Posted by on Sep 2 2019. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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