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24/08/2005
Help The Aged hit out at gas price hike
Help the Aged today called on the government to intervene to prevent Phoenix Natural Gas from increasing its prices by 25% in Northern Ireland.
Phoenix confirmed on Monday that it wanted to increase its bills in the autumn because of the increase in high global energy prices as well as the rise in price of home heating oil.
Help The Aged Head of Policy, Communication and Research, Duane Farrell said: “The untimely announcement by Phoenix Gas will come as a bitter blow to older customers whose every last penny is already stretched to the limit. Over 83% of pensioners in Northern Ireland feel that there income is not enough to provide their basic needs.
"It is a fact that over half of all pensioners in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty. How on earth are older people supposed to cope with these latest price increases especially as they come hot on the heel of rising oil, coal and electricity bills?"
In response, Pheonix said it was in negotiation with the industry regulator, Ofreg, and the General Consumer Council over the rise.
Company spokesman Richard Rogers said: "It is important that it (Pheonix price rise) is put in the context of our main competitor which would be heating oil.
"Here we are in Belfast today where heating oil if 50% up from this time last year and double the price of this time two years ago."
Meanwhile, the General Consumer Council has said that some householders who pay their bills by direct debit have received invoices asking for hundreds of pounds.
The money has to be paid to make up the difference between the amount they pay in monthly instalments and the actual cost of their annual gas bill.
The council said it would like to see Phoenix issue bills more frequently.
(MB/SP)
Phoenix confirmed on Monday that it wanted to increase its bills in the autumn because of the increase in high global energy prices as well as the rise in price of home heating oil.
Help The Aged Head of Policy, Communication and Research, Duane Farrell said: “The untimely announcement by Phoenix Gas will come as a bitter blow to older customers whose every last penny is already stretched to the limit. Over 83% of pensioners in Northern Ireland feel that there income is not enough to provide their basic needs.
"It is a fact that over half of all pensioners in Northern Ireland are living in fuel poverty. How on earth are older people supposed to cope with these latest price increases especially as they come hot on the heel of rising oil, coal and electricity bills?"
In response, Pheonix said it was in negotiation with the industry regulator, Ofreg, and the General Consumer Council over the rise.
Company spokesman Richard Rogers said: "It is important that it (Pheonix price rise) is put in the context of our main competitor which would be heating oil.
"Here we are in Belfast today where heating oil if 50% up from this time last year and double the price of this time two years ago."
Meanwhile, the General Consumer Council has said that some householders who pay their bills by direct debit have received invoices asking for hundreds of pounds.
The money has to be paid to make up the difference between the amount they pay in monthly instalments and the actual cost of their annual gas bill.
The council said it would like to see Phoenix issue bills more frequently.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
