Menu
19/01/2006
Gas prices to increase by a further 17.3%
Phoenix Gas has today announced that from January 23, there will be further 17.3% increase in gas prices; this comes only three months after the price was raised by a third.
Chief Executive of Phoenix Natural Gas, Peter Dixon said that the company are experiencing record high wholesale gas costs and added that since the company's review in October 2005, gas costs have risen significantly and have almost doubled since the same time last year.
Mr Dixon said: “In arriving at this level of increase, we have consulted extensively since September with the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation, the General Consumer Council and the Department for Enterprise, Trade & Investment. This increase is a direct pass through of gas costs to customers.”
He continued: “We understand that this increase is unwelcome news and it is now more important than ever for our customers to be as energy efficient as possible, so that they spend no more than is necessary to heat their homes."
DUP Economy Spokesman George Dawson has expressed his disappointment at the increase, he said: “This increase is very disappointing indeed coming on the heels of recent upward movement in the price of gas. At a time when we need to see stability in the gas system this increase now puts the cost of our gas above that of both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
"There is no doubt such increases are part of a world wide trend at the present time. However this announcement will do little to encourage further gas take up. The average gas bill will now be more than £200 more expensive than was the case twelve months ago. It is vital that we see an end to such sharp increases and concentrate efforts on bringing stability to the market.”
Sinn Fein economy spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin has described the latest price hike as "a severe blow to gas customers."
He said that this increase would mean that consumers have been hit with a 52% increase over the past four months. He continued: "Phoenix cannot be allowed to blame this massive increase on the prevailing wholesale gas prices. This increase will mean that Phoenix customers in the Six Counties will be paying nearly two thirds more than customers in Britain and over 20% more than those in the rest of Ireland."
Querying the company's commitment to keep gas prices down, he accused the company of "abuse of its monopoly position."
Ulster Unionist Party spokesman Roy Beggs Jnr described the price hike as a "hammer blow" to consumers and called on the company for a full explanation of the rise.
He said: “Gas in Northern Ireland is now two-thirds more expensive than in England. British Gas have managed to shield their customers and consumers in the Republic of Ireland are also protected."
(EF/SP)
Chief Executive of Phoenix Natural Gas, Peter Dixon said that the company are experiencing record high wholesale gas costs and added that since the company's review in October 2005, gas costs have risen significantly and have almost doubled since the same time last year.
Mr Dixon said: “In arriving at this level of increase, we have consulted extensively since September with the Northern Ireland Authority for Energy Regulation, the General Consumer Council and the Department for Enterprise, Trade & Investment. This increase is a direct pass through of gas costs to customers.”
He continued: “We understand that this increase is unwelcome news and it is now more important than ever for our customers to be as energy efficient as possible, so that they spend no more than is necessary to heat their homes."
DUP Economy Spokesman George Dawson has expressed his disappointment at the increase, he said: “This increase is very disappointing indeed coming on the heels of recent upward movement in the price of gas. At a time when we need to see stability in the gas system this increase now puts the cost of our gas above that of both Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
"There is no doubt such increases are part of a world wide trend at the present time. However this announcement will do little to encourage further gas take up. The average gas bill will now be more than £200 more expensive than was the case twelve months ago. It is vital that we see an end to such sharp increases and concentrate efforts on bringing stability to the market.”
Sinn Fein economy spokesperson, Mitchel McLaughlin has described the latest price hike as "a severe blow to gas customers."
He said that this increase would mean that consumers have been hit with a 52% increase over the past four months. He continued: "Phoenix cannot be allowed to blame this massive increase on the prevailing wholesale gas prices. This increase will mean that Phoenix customers in the Six Counties will be paying nearly two thirds more than customers in Britain and over 20% more than those in the rest of Ireland."
Querying the company's commitment to keep gas prices down, he accused the company of "abuse of its monopoly position."
Ulster Unionist Party spokesman Roy Beggs Jnr described the price hike as a "hammer blow" to consumers and called on the company for a full explanation of the rise.
He said: “Gas in Northern Ireland is now two-thirds more expensive than in England. British Gas have managed to shield their customers and consumers in the Republic of Ireland are also protected."
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 September 2011
Wholesale Market 'Forces Gas Price Rise'
The gas supplier, firmus energy - that has been providing natural gas since 2005 across Northern Ireland - has announced details of its new tariff, which will see domestic prices increase by 28.4% from 1st October.
Wholesale Market 'Forces Gas Price Rise'
The gas supplier, firmus energy - that has been providing natural gas since 2005 across Northern Ireland - has announced details of its new tariff, which will see domestic prices increase by 28.4% from 1st October.
02 November 2010
Competitor Expands NI Gas Market
Domestic gas customers in greater Belfast have today moved closer to having a choice of natural gas supplier for the first time. Many customers in the greater Belfast and Larne areas will, from Tuesday, be able to choose from two suppliers.
Competitor Expands NI Gas Market
Domestic gas customers in greater Belfast have today moved closer to having a choice of natural gas supplier for the first time. Many customers in the greater Belfast and Larne areas will, from Tuesday, be able to choose from two suppliers.
18 October 2012
Gas Storage To Be Built Under Lough
A £440m gas storage facility is to be built a mile underneath Larne Lough. The development will enable 500m cubic metres of natural gas to be stored in caverns underneath the lough. The new bank will be able to hold enough gas to provide energy for Northern Ireland for sixty days.
Gas Storage To Be Built Under Lough
A £440m gas storage facility is to be built a mile underneath Larne Lough. The development will enable 500m cubic metres of natural gas to be stored in caverns underneath the lough. The new bank will be able to hold enough gas to provide energy for Northern Ireland for sixty days.
08 April 2004
Phoenix Gas suspend gas price increase
Phoenix Natural Gas has agreed to suspend a proposed 20% gas price increase following a meeting with the Government today.
Phoenix Gas suspend gas price increase
Phoenix Natural Gas has agreed to suspend a proposed 20% gas price increase following a meeting with the Government today.
02 November 2007
Inter-Ireland Gas Pipe Completed
Significant development of the gas industry in five major towns and cities along the route of the new inter-Ireland gas pipe is expected to follow completion of the natural gas interconnection. Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon - including Portadown and Lurgan - and Newry are all expected to benefit from the gas facility.
Inter-Ireland Gas Pipe Completed
Significant development of the gas industry in five major towns and cities along the route of the new inter-Ireland gas pipe is expected to follow completion of the natural gas interconnection. Antrim, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon - including Portadown and Lurgan - and Newry are all expected to benefit from the gas facility.
-
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.
