Utility Regulator welcomes decrease in gas tariffs for Greater Belfast

The Utility Regulator today welcomed the 10% average decrease by SSE Airtricity Gas Supply in its regulated gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast area.

Commenting on the announcement by SSE Airtricity, Utility Regulator Chief Executive, Jenny Pyper, said:

“I very much welcome SSE Airtricity’s announcement that it is to reduce gas bills for its Greater Belfast customers. The lower bills will benefit households and businesses as we enter the winter months.  This means that standard gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast area continue to be among the lowest in the UK or Ireland.

“The main reason for the decrease is falling wholesale gas costs. As we regulate SSE Airtricity’s prices in Greater Belfast, our tariff review involves a thorough analysis of all their cost elements. Customers of SSE Airtricity can be confident that, due to our regulation, their bills reflect the actual costs of supplying gas to their homes and businesses.

“As always, we will continue to monitor wholesale gas costs in relation to SSE Airtricity’s regulated prices.”

This announcement marks the conclusion of the tariff review which is undertaken by the Utility Regulator and SSE Airtricity, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

ENDS
For further information, please contact Greg Irwin on 028 9031 6348 or 07794 965 911.

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.
• An average decrease has been quoted as the actual decrease will depend on usage.
• The SSE Airtricity Briefing Paper can be viewed by clicking this link.