SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland's second-largest electricity supplier, will increase electricity tariffs by 6.2% from 1 August 2026. The change is expected to add about £76 per year to the bills of a typical credit customer and a standard-rate keypad customer.

According to the Consumer Council, the increase will affect around 134,000 households, taking the average annual bill for a typical credit and keypad customer to approximately £1,305.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: "From August, approximately 134,000 homes in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity cost increase, bringing the average annual electricity bill for a typical credit and keypad customer to around £1,305. While this is disappointing for households, the rise reflects the recent increase in energy wholesale costs. "Any SSE Airtricity 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.

"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 methods, changing billing method or even switching supplier may save you money."

The Consumer Council offers a free, independent price comparison tool to help households review all electricity and gas tariffs available across Northern Ireland in one place: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/electricity-oil-and-gas/electricity-price-comparison-tool