Commenting on Firmus Energy’s regulated tariff announcement, Kevin Shiels, interim Chief Executive at the Utility Regulator said:
“In January 2023, the Utility Regulator commenced a review process with Firmus Energy of its regulated tariff for domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns gas distribution area. This tariff review forms part of our regular scrutiny to make sure that consumer bills reflect the actual cost of providing gas to homes and businesses.
“The review has resulted in a 18.84% decrease to the regulated tariff, which is a direct result of the recent falls in forward wholesale gas prices.
“We are also aware that any change in the level of support provided through the UK Government’s Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) scheme would impact the final tariff customers pay. If the EPG discount changes, Firmus Energy will adjust their tariffs accordingly and advise their customers.
“We will continue to monitor Firmus Energy’s regulated gas tariff and ensure any further falls in costs are passed through to customers at the earliest opportunity.
“If you are worried about paying your energy bill, please contact your electricity or gas supplier in the first instance, to make them aware of your circumstances, and discuss the options available. In addition, there are a number of agencies who can provide free and independent advice to households, including Advice NI, Christians Against Poverty and Money and Pensions Service’s MoneyHelper.”
This tariff announcement marks the conclusion of a review undertaken by the Utility Regulator and Firmus Energy, in consultation with the Department for the Economy and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.
A briefing paper has also been published.
Further information
- Media contact - Adele Boyle on 07787 279584.
- The UK Government’s EPG scheme has been in place since November 2022 and provides a discount to the tariff that gas (and electricity) consumers pay.
- The EPG rates are subject to quarterly review by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the relevant discount is therefore subject to change.
- The Utility Regulator only regulates Firmus Energy’s tariff in the Ten Towns area.
- The tariff review commenced in January 2023 and covers around 63,000 customers in the Ten Towns area.
- The Ten Towns and Greater Belfast areas are two separate markets, with different distribution network operators and different network use of system costs.
- The Ten Towns area refers to Firmus Energy’s distribution network and includes: Derry/Londonderry, Limavady, Coleraine (including Portstewart and Bushmills), Ballymoney, Ballymena (Broughshane), Antrim (including Ballyclare and Templepatrick), Craigavon (including Portadown and Lurgan), Banbridge, Newry (Warrenpoint), Armagh (Tandragee) and more than 25 other towns and villages in the surrounding area.