Firmus Energy Slash Gas Prices

Gas supplier Firms Energy will slash its prices by almost 9% from October.

The company will drop the natural gas tariffs for its 95,000 customers across the province by 8.77%.

The move reflects a fall in wholesale gas prices in Europe and will bring the typical household bill for those in the Greater Belfast area down by £54. Customers living in the Ten Towns network area will see their bills fall by around £61 a year.

Michael Scott, managing director of Firmus Energy said: "We are pleased to announce a reduction in natural gas bills for our customers, particularly as we come into the winter months. Firmus Energy continually monitors and reviews its tariffs to ensure customers are getting the best prices possible and the steady drop in wholesale gas commodity costs over the last year has allowed Firmus Energy to pass these savings onto our customers.

"A price reduction is always welcome news and I am delighted that over 95,000 homes and businesses across the province will soon receive a letter with details of our price drop. The new, lower natural gas cost will come into effect in early October."

This price reduction follows consultation with the Utility Regulator, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland and the Department of the Economy.

The move was welcomed by Retail NI and the Utility Regulator. Chef Executive of the regulator, Jenny Pyper said it represents a growth in demand in customers connecting to gas in the Ten Towns area.

"Significantly, this reduction means that Firmus Energy customers are continuing to benefit from amongst the lowest gas standard tariffs in the UK and RoI," she said.

"The review of firmus energy's tariff has involved a thorough analysis of all their cost elements. Our system of regulation ensures that regulated tariffs always reflect the actual costs of supply to consumers. As ever, we will continue to keep the tariff under review."



(JG/MH)