10/02/2026
Budget Energy Announces 4% Electricity Tariff Increase
Electricity supplier Budget Energy has confirmed a 4% increase in its tariffs, effective from 15 January 2026.
The price adjustment will see a typical credit customer's annual bill rise by approximately £47. For those using prepayment meters, top-up costs are expected to increase by around £46 per year.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council, explained the impact of the change: "From 15 January 2026, a typical Budget Energy credit customer will see their annual electricity bill increase to around £1,281 and a typical prepayment customer will see their annual costs increase to around £1,270. The main reason for this increase is rising network operating costs."
In light of the price hike, the Consumer Council is urging households to review their current energy deals and payment methods to ensure they are receiving the best possible value.
Mr Gormley added: "We would encourage consumers to think about the way they pay for their energy and see if they can reduce their energy costs. Being on a standard tariff and paying on receipt of a bill is the most expensive way to pay for your electricity. Switching payment option, changing billing method, or even switching supplier may save you money."
To assist with this, the Consumer Council provides a free, independent price comparison tool on its website, allowing users to compare all available gas and electricity tariffs in Northern Ireland.
Customers who do not have internet access or require further assistance can contact the Consumer Council team directly by calling 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
The price adjustment will see a typical credit customer's annual bill rise by approximately £47. For those using prepayment meters, top-up costs are expected to increase by around £46 per year.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy at the Consumer Council, explained the impact of the change: "From 15 January 2026, a typical Budget Energy credit customer will see their annual electricity bill increase to around £1,281 and a typical prepayment customer will see their annual costs increase to around £1,270. The main reason for this increase is rising network operating costs."
Mr Gormley added: "We would encourage consumers to think about the way they pay for their energy and see if they can reduce their energy costs. Being on a standard tariff and paying on receipt of a bill is the most expensive way to pay for your electricity. Switching payment option, changing billing method, or even switching supplier may save you money."
To assist with this, the Consumer Council provides a free, independent price comparison tool on its website, allowing users to compare all available gas and electricity tariffs in Northern Ireland.
Customers who do not have internet access or require further assistance can contact the Consumer Council team directly by calling 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.