08/07/2026
Budget Energy To Raise Electricity Tariffs By 9.5% From 4 August
Budget Energy will raise variable electricity tariffs by 9.5% from 4 August 2026, adding about £122 a year to a typical credit customer's bill and roughly £121 for a standard-rate keypad user.
The company, Northern Ireland's third-largest electricity supplier, said the change applies to variable tariffs. Customers on fixed-price deals are not affected.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: "From 4 August, approximately 105,000 Budget Energy BillPay and keypad domestic customers on variable tariffs in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity costs increase, bringing the average annual electricity bill for a typical credit customer on a standard tariff to around £1,403 and a typical keypad customer on a standard tariff to around £1,390. While this is disappointing for households, the rise reflects the recent increase in energy wholesale costs. Those Budget Energy customers on a fixed price deal will not be impacted and will continue to pay their existing agreed rates for the duration of their contract.
"Any Budget Energy 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."
Raymond added: "All five electricity suppliers have now either increased their tariffs or have announced that they are doing so. 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's free, independent price comparison tool lets households review all electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/electricity-oil-and-gas/electricity-price-comparison-tool
Consumers without internet access, or anyone needing extra support to check tariffs, can call 0800 121 6022 or email contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
The company, Northern Ireland's third-largest electricity supplier, said the change applies to variable tariffs. Customers on fixed-price deals are not affected.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: "From 4 August, approximately 105,000 Budget Energy BillPay and keypad domestic customers on variable tariffs in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity costs increase, bringing the average annual electricity bill for a typical credit customer on a standard tariff to around £1,403 and a typical keypad customer on a standard tariff to around £1,390. While this is disappointing for households, the rise reflects the recent increase in energy wholesale costs. Those Budget Energy customers on a fixed price deal will not be impacted and will continue to pay their existing agreed rates for the duration of their contract.
Raymond added: "All five electricity suppliers have now either increased their tariffs or have announced that they are doing so. 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's free, independent price comparison tool lets households review all electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland: www.consumercouncil.org.uk/consumers/help-consumers/electricity-oil-and-gas/electricity-price-comparison-tool
Consumers without internet access, or anyone needing extra support to check tariffs, can call 0800 121 6022 or email contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
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Budget Energy will raise variable electricity tariffs by 9.5% from 4 August 2026, adding about £122 a year to a typical credit customer's bill and roughly £121 for a standard-rate keypad user. The company, Northern Ireland's third-largest electricity supplier, said the change applies to variable tariffs.
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Budget Energy will raise variable electricity tariffs by 9.5% from 4 August 2026, adding about £122 a year to a typical credit customer's bill and roughly £121 for a standard-rate keypad user. The company, Northern Ireland's third-largest electricity supplier, said the change applies to variable tariffs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a rather cloudy start it will be a dry day with some bright or sunny spells developing later in the morning and a sunny afternoon will follow, though cloud may persist over northeastern coasts. Very warm, with light winds. Maximum temperature 24 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with some sunshine. Overnight staying dry and clear in the eastm while parts of the west will turn cloudier. Minimum temperature 13 °C.