Thousands of households across Northern Ireland are facing a combined surge in their energy expenses this summer after both firmus energy and Power NI announced significant price hikes taking effect from 1 July 2026.

Firmus Energy Transports Gas Hikes to 'Ten Towns' Network

Regulated natural gas tariffs for domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns network area are set to increase by 15.65%. The adjustment will affect approximately 76,000 customers. No changes have been announced for the Greater Belfast Network area.

The increase means the annual gas bill for a typical household using a credit meter will rise by roughly £132. Customers operating on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) prepayment meter will encounter a typical annual increase of about £129. The decision follows a previous tariff reduction of 10.10% implemented by firmus energy in April 2026.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, commented on the development: "This is very unwelcome news but given that global wholesale gas prices have increased significantly as a direct consequence of the ongoing Middle East conflict, a rise on gas tariffs was inevitable. Another regulated gas tariff review is scheduled for October and if the conflict is not resolved very soon, we could see further gas price increases in the Autumn."

The Consumer Council confirmed it continues to collaborate with the Utility Regulator and regulated suppliers to guarantee consumers are protected and that downward wholesale price movements are passed on efficiently.

Gormley added: "We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly, as suppliers have indicated that they are keen to offer their customers help and support."

Power NI to Implement 6.2% Electricity Tariff Increase

Separately, Northern Ireland's largest electricity supplier, Power NI, has confirmed a 6.2% tariff increase for residential customers from 1 July 2026. Under the new rates, a typical credit meter customer will experience an annual bill increase of around £64, while a pay-as-you-go keypad user will see costs rise by approximately £62 per year.

Karen Smyth, Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability at The Consumer Council, detailed the impact: "From July, over 500,000 homes in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity cost increase to around £1,093 for a typical credit customer and increase to around £1,065 a year for a typical keypad customer. While this is unwelcome news for consumers, we are aware the main drivers for this are increases in global energy prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, alongside higher network and market charges.

"The Consumer Council works closely with the Utility Regulator and regulated supply companies to ensure consumers are protected and supported during price increases. We also ensure that any cost savings are passed onto consumers quickly when wholesale energy prices or network-related costs begin to decrease. Any Power NI customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills or top up their keypad meter should contact their supplier without delay to get advice and support."

Smyth also advised bill-payers to assess their payment options to mitigate higher costs, noting: "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."

Consumer Advice and Support

The Consumer Council provides a free, independent online energy price comparison tool to evaluate all available electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland in one place.

Consumers seeking additional assistance or those without internet access can contact the Consumer Council support team by phone at 0800 121 6022 or via email at contact@consumercouncil.org.uk. Advice on boosting home energy efficiency is also accessible at www.consumercouncil.org.uk.