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02/04/2004
Minister to meet Phoenix Gas over price hike
Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson is planning to meet Phoenix Natural Gas and Centrica next week to press them for a rethink on gas price increases.
The Minister met yesterday with the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) to discuss their report on the circumstances surrounding the price increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas.
It follows the Phoenix's decision to raise its prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%.
Mr Pearson said: “Last week I asked for an urgent report from NIAER into the circumstances behind the price increase announced by Phoenix. NIAER advised me yesterday that more work needs to be carried out and they will be requesting information from Phoenix and Centrica. I remain deeply concerned about the effect that this decision will have on the long term future of the gas market."
Mr Pearson said that next week's meeting would enable him to press Phoenix into a rethink and to create a window of opportunity within which all issues facing the gas industry can be addressed."
Phoenix Gas has blamed its supplier, British Gas Trading (BGT), for the increase, which will see customers paying an extra £1.36 a week on average.
However, East Belfast MLA, Sir Reg Empey said the company had to take some responsibility for the increase.
"While I fully accept that Phoenix Gas are not solely to blame because their supplier has put up their wholesale price, the situation remains urgent and we require action to be taken," he added.
(MB)
The Minister met yesterday with the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation (NIAER) to discuss their report on the circumstances surrounding the price increase announced by Phoenix Natural Gas.
It follows the Phoenix's decision to raise its prices in Northern Ireland by around 20%.
Mr Pearson said: “Last week I asked for an urgent report from NIAER into the circumstances behind the price increase announced by Phoenix. NIAER advised me yesterday that more work needs to be carried out and they will be requesting information from Phoenix and Centrica. I remain deeply concerned about the effect that this decision will have on the long term future of the gas market."
Mr Pearson said that next week's meeting would enable him to press Phoenix into a rethink and to create a window of opportunity within which all issues facing the gas industry can be addressed."
Phoenix Gas has blamed its supplier, British Gas Trading (BGT), for the increase, which will see customers paying an extra £1.36 a week on average.
However, East Belfast MLA, Sir Reg Empey said the company had to take some responsibility for the increase.
"While I fully accept that Phoenix Gas are not solely to blame because their supplier has put up their wholesale price, the situation remains urgent and we require action to be taken," he added.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
