Airtricity costs increase

Airtricity is to increase household energy prices from the middle of October by 4.7 per cent on electricity and 8.5 per cent on gas.

The energy supplier cited the weakened Euro against the Sterling along with the increases in costs of using the gas and electricity transmission and distribution networks regulated by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) as the reason for the increase.

The increase will add €0.96 to electricity prices on an average weekly bill while gas prices will increase by €1.33 on lower-cost standard tariffs.

“We sincerely regret having to increase our prices at this time,” said Stephen Wheeler, Managing Director of Airtricity.  

“In difficult economic conditions, increasing prices is one of the hardest decisions any business has to take. Unfortunately, however, factors outside of our control, such as the increase in gas and electricity pass through costs and the cost of the Euro against Sterling, mean that these price increases have become unavoidable.”

Mr Wheeler insisted that Airtricity is working to support those facing financial difficulties by not increasing the prices for those on prepayment matters. 

“Any saving is important in these times,” said Mr Wheeler.

“Airtricity is the only energy supplier in the market to offer lower-cost tariff options to all customers on its standard rates if they choose to pay by Direct Debit and receive their bill by eBilling. In addition, Airtricity is continuing to offer competitive price discounts for gas and electricity for new customers.”

The energy company stressed that it works extensively with St Vincent De Paul and MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) to assist vulnerable customers with payment plan and the replacement of inefficient heating systems.

The price increases are set to come into effect from 15 October and will affect 370,000 electricity and 110,000 domestic gas customers nationally. 

Customers are advised to contact Airtricity on 1850-404070 for further queries and advice with their payment plans.