firmus energy has confirmed an 8.98% increase to its regulated gas tariff for domestic and small business customers on the Ten Towns network, effective from 1 October 2026.

The change will add around £87 a year to the typical annual bill for a household with a credit meter, while those on prepayment (PAYG) are expected to pay about £85 more per year.

This follows a 15.65% rise introduced by firmus energy in July 2026 and will affect approximately 77,000 domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns area.

Separately, firmus energy has announced a 12.5% tariff increase for customers on the Greater Belfast network from 8 October 2026, impacting around 54,000 domestic and small business customers. A typical household with a credit meter will see their annual bill increase by about £147, with PAYG users facing a rise of roughly £144 per year. Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: "This is the second tariff increase from firmus energy in the Ten Towns network within a couple of months and the first increase in the Greater Belfast network in a year. This will be very concerning news for firmus energy customers as their typical annual heating and electricity bills will now top £2,000.

"Global wholesale gas prices have increased significantly since March 2026 as a direct consequence of the ongoing Middle East conflict, and another rise on gas tariffs this autumn was inevitable due to the continued volatility of the energy markets. This will place even further pressure on household budgets.

"The Consumer Council works closely with the Utility Regulator and regulated supply companies to ensure that appropriate support is in place to help protect consumers during energy price increases and that any cost savings are passed onto consumers quickly when wholesale energy prices begin to decrease.

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

The Consumer Council's website offers advice on improving energy efficiency at home, free electricity and gas comparison tools, and information on organisations that can help if you are struggling with energy bills.

You can contact the Consumer Council on 0800 121 6022 or email contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.