Gas prices to rise by almost 18%

All ten towns in the Firmus network will be subjected to 17.75% rise in price next month (April 1).

The firm said: “This announcement follows three price reductions totalling 37%1 over the last 18 months that led to gas prices being at an historic low for firmus energy customers.

“The change in tariff price means that the average household bill will rise by £1.43 per week, bringing prices back to broadly Summer 2020 levels.

Michael Scott, Managing Director of firmus energy, said: “We know that price stability is important for our customers but the increase of wholesale natural gas costs on the global market, which are beyond our control, have unfortunately made this increase inevitable.

“During 2020 the price of wholesale gas decreased dramatically on the world markets, leading to firmus energy being able to offer our lowest ever tariffs. Today’s announcement, while unwelcome, is a sign of the market readjusting after 2020 to more standard levels.”

Raymond Gormley, Interim Head of Energy at The Consumer Council said: “This is unwelcome news for around 51,000 of firmus energy’s customers and small businesses in the Ten Towns area, especially during a time when many are experiencing increasing pressures on their household budget. However, we are aware the main driver is the significant rise in the cost of wholesale gas globally over the last year.

“We work closely with the Utility Regulator to ensure consumers are protected and supported and that there are no unnecessary costs being added or additional profits being made by the supplier,” said Mr Gormley.

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