SSE Airtricity to Reduce Gas Prices by 8%
SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s leading natural gas provider, has announced an 8.10% reduction in gas prices effective from April 1. This significant change will impact approximately 215,000 domestic and small business customers.
Key Details of the Gas Price Reduction
– Typical Household Savings: A household in the greater Belfast and west gas network areas with a credit meter will see an annual gas bill reduction of £80. This breaks down to a monthly saving of £6.65 based on average consumption.
– Prepayment Meter Customers: For those using a prepayment gas meter, typical costs will decrease by around £79 annually.
– Reason for Price Change: The company stated that the primary factor behind this price adjustment is the adjustment between forecasted and actual costs of delivering gas to customers in Northern Ireland.
Leadership’s Perspective
Stephen Gallagher, managing director of SSE Airtricity, expressed his satisfaction in delivering this positive news to customers. He acknowledged that rising energy costs have been a significant worry for many in Northern Ireland, stating, We hope this price reduction will provide some welcome relief for many gas customers.
Industry Reactions
– Consumer Council’s View: Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council, labeled the decrease as good news, highlighting it as a sign of a gradual decline in wholesale energy prices. He also cautioned that the energy market remains volatile due to ongoing global geopolitical issues.
– Utility Regulator’s Comments: The Utility Regulator welcomed the price cut as a result of falling wholesale gas costs. Leigh Greer, head of market regulation, emphasized their commitment to monitoring regulated tariffs to ensure any further decreases are reflected in customer bills. He added, While this is good news for consumers, we recognize many households and businesses are still struggling. If you are worried about paying for your electricity or gas, help is available.
Looking Ahead
An announcement regarding Firmus Energy’s regulated gas tariff is anticipated within the next week, which could further impact the gas market in Northern Ireland.
In conclusion, SSE Airtricity’s decision to reduce gas prices by 8% is a welcome development for its customers, providing much-needed financial relief amidst ongoing economic challenges.