SSE Airtricity raises gas prices by 21.8%

SSE AITRICITY has confirmed today that, following a consultation with the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator, it will increase its natural gas prices by 21.8%.

This tariff change means a typical household customer will see an annual increase of £112 according to the provider.

The increase announced today comes into effect from 1 October 2021 and will apply to all domestic and small business customers supplied by SSE Airtricity.

The company has said the rises are due to the sustained increases in external costs outside of its control, including rising costs in acquiring natural gas on global wholesale energy markets.

Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity General Manager (NI) said, “Almost 90% of a customer’s gas tariff is accounted for through Transmission, Distribution and Commodity costs. Over the last year, commodity costs have risen sharply, with the cost of purchasing natural gas on the wholesale market more than doubling since last summer.

“These sustained increases are compounded by short supply and robust demand on global markets. Gas storage levels are also severely reduced, almost 30% lower than the same point in 2019 and 2020. All of this combines to put upward pressure on costs which must be reflected in our price change.

“We are aware of the impact this increase will have on our customers and this decision has not been taken lightly. SSE Airtricity has a longstanding history of working with our customers and, as we have done in the past, we will look to lower our prices as soon as it possible to do so.”

Customers who wish to speak to SSE Airtricity can do so by calling 0345 900 5253