ELECTRIC Ireland will increase the average residential bill by 13.5% next month for its customers in Derry and across the North of Ireland.
This will be the third rise by Electric Ireland this year – and the second within the last four months.
The power company, which has around 99,000 customers in Northern Ireland, said the price hike will add approximately £1.67 a week on the average bill.
It comes after research revealed some householders in the North of Ireland are facing a hike of around £500 on their annual combined gas and electricity bill.
Even consumers with companies increasing their tariffs the least will see their yearly combined spend on both commodities go up by almost £200.
In addition to increasing prices, many suppliers have removed their most competitive discount offers or cashback promotions, making it harder for hard-pressed families to find a good deal.
Electric Ireland said the bill increase was down to wholesale energy costs continuing to rise.
The company’s residential manager for the North of Ireland Clare McAllister said on Friday it was with “great reluctance” that Electric Ireland has brought in the hike but they were left with “no option”.
“We would assure our customers that we will continue to keep costs as low as we can passing on savings when it becomes possible to do so,” she continued.
“We understand that some customers may face challenges and would encourage anyone who is having trouble paying bills to contact us and we will support them with an affordable payment plan over the coming months.”
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