SSE Airtricity to cut electricity prices for NI customers by 7%

Energy company SSE Airtricity is to reduce electricity prices for Northern Ireland customers by 7% from November.

The firm, the second largest electricity supplier in the region, said the decision means a typical customer will see annual bill reductions of almost £90 as it passes on lower wholesale costs.

The Consumer Council has welcomed the decrease, but said that prices remain significantly higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Klair Neenan, managing director of SSE Airtricity, said: “We hope today’s announcement will be welcome news for electricity customers in Northern Ireland as we approach winter.

“We’re acutely aware of the pressure people have been experiencing with the cost-of-living crisis and we recognise that this continues to be a difficult time for many.

“We’ve worked hard over the last 18 months to shield our customers from the impact of record wholesale costs through our approach to buying energy, and we promised to pass on savings, as soon as it was possible to do so.

“As always, I would encourage any customer who is concerned about their energy costs to please contact us, and we will work with you to find a solution.”

Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator last month announced a review of energy prices.

Head of energy policy at the Consumer Council Raymond Gormley said: “This price decrease is welcome news given the cost-of-living pressures many households in Northern Ireland continue to experience.

“Despite this announcement electricity prices remain significantly higher than the pre-pandemic norm.

“Similarly, natural gas prices remain high, heating oil prices have increased recently and petrol and diesel prices are rising at the pumps.

“For these reasons we continue to advocate for further support for Northern Ireland consumers in the winter ahead.

“We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly for help and support.”