By Jonathan McCambridge (PA)
Energy company SSE Airtricity has announced it is rising gas and electricity prices for Northern Ireland customers.
The company said gas prices would rise by 28.3% and electricity prices will increase by 35.4% on October 1.
The Consumer Council has warned that people in Northern Ireland are facing into a “very serious crisis” this winter.
The council said an annual gas bill for SSE customers would rise by about £351, while electricity bills for average customers would increase to around £1,356 a year.
These are the latest in a series of energy price rises to impact consumers in Northern Ireland and will affect around 188,000 homes in the region.
Andrew Greer, SSE Airtricity general manager (NI) said: “Unfortunately, the global energy picture continues to deteriorate, and this is not the news we want to be giving our customers.
“The war in Ukraine is significantly impacting wholesale gas markets in the UK and EU with the cost of purchasing gas remaining stubbornly higher than previous years, affecting energy suppliers across Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
“We know energy prices remain a priority concern across Northern Ireland, especially as colder weather is approaching.
John French, chief executive of the Utility Regulator said: “Unfortunately, the wholesale gas market continues to surge, and is producing prices 16 times higher than normal historic rates.
“We will continue to do everything in our control, to support consumers at this very difficult time.
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