Households across Northern Ireland will see their energy bills rise from 1 July, as Power NI and Firmus announce price increases driven by global energy costs and Middle East tensions.
Power NI will raise its electricity unit price by 6.2%, adding roughly £5 per month to the average household bill. Firmus, which supplies natural gas, will increase its Ten Towns tariff by 15.65%, equating to an extra £2.47 per week (about £10.70 per month) for typical customers.
Both suppliers attribute the hikes to higher global energy and gas prices, exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East. The disruption has impacted energy costs worldwide, with the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for a fifth of the world's oil and gas—effectively blocked after Iran responded to US and Israeli attacks.
William Steele, director of Power NI Customer Solutions, said the increase was "not a decision we've taken lightly." He noted that the company had worked hard to hold prices as long as possible, but sustained rises in global gas costs, along with higher network and market charges, made the increase unavoidable.
David Smith, director at Firmus, acknowledged the timing is difficult but pointed out that the supplier had reduced tariffs three times in the past year, cutting prices by over 27% and saving customers around £300 annually on average. He added that current bills will now be roughly the same as a year ago and still below previous years.
Leigh Greer of the Utility Regulator said the increases, while unwelcome, are a direct result of continued wholesale cost rises driven by the Middle East conflict, which has already affected home heating oil, petrol, and diesel prices.
Raymond Gormley of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland warned that further gas price increases could come this autumn if the conflict persists. "Another regulated gas tariff review is scheduled for October, and if the conflict is not resolved very soon, we could see further gas price increases," he said.
The CCNI advises affected customers to review their payment methods and consider switching suppliers or billing options to reduce costs.