The Utility Regulator today commented on announcements by firmus energy regarding gas tariffs in the Ten Towns and Greater Belfast areas.
Utility Regulator Chief Executive, Jenny Pyper said:
“Whilst there is no reduction in the Ten Towns’ tariff, this announcement signals stability and confidence for consumers in the area, who will continue to enjoy gas prices that are among the lowest in the UK.
“We are entering a new phase in the development of the Ten Towns market, with full market opening from 1 April 2015. Going forward we will continue to support the development of the Ten Towns market, create the conditions to stimulate competition and ensure that prices are as low as possible.
“Whilst we don’t price regulate firmus energy’s tariff in the Greater Belfast area, their 6.38% reduction is further good news for consumers and demonstrates the responsiveness of the market. This comes on the back of a series of recent price decreases by Northern Ireland’s electricity and gas companies and means that consumers here are benefiting from amongst the lowest electricity and gas standard tariffs in the UK.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Adele Boyle on 028 9031 6664 or 07787 279584.
Notes to editor
• The Utility Regulator is the independent non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the electricity and gas industries and water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.
• The Ten Towns and Greater Belfast area are two separate markets, with different distribution network operators.
• This is the first regulated tariff review for the Ten Towns area. As firmus energy built the distribution network in the Ten Towns area, their licence provided a period of exclusivity for supplying gas to customers within this area. This period will end on 1 April 2015, hence the regulated tariff review and other suppliers can then enter the market.
• The Ten Towns are Derry/Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine, Ballymoney, Ballymena, Antrim, Craigavon (inc Lurgan & Portadown), Armagh, Banbridge and Newry.
• The greater Belfast area covers: south, west, east and north Belfast; Carrickfergus; Newtownabbey; Duncrue and Harbour; Lisburn; Carryduff; Castlereagh; Newtownards; Larne; and North Down.