BY MICHAEL DEVLIN
ELECTRICITY bills are set to fall by 3% from April 1 to mirror the falling price of gas, Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) has revealed this week.
NIE, which currently supplies 775,000 homes across the North with electricity, said the saving would have been more substantial, had it not been for the expense contained in installing anti-pollution equipment at Kilroot Power Station. The Consumer Council welcomed the announcement but pointed out that it would have been some 7% if consumers did not have to pick up the costs for cleaning up Kilroot. Local community activist and Omagh District public representative, Johnny McLaughlin has also hailed the move.
"Number one, any decreases in that area is going to be very beneficial to the elderly and the disabled, those people who need plenty of heat. Also, I would say that companies and local industry will welcome the move as it will go some way to cutting their production and heating costs."
The new reduction in costs follows an increase in prices last year and is also due to a tumble in energy prices across the world. It is expected that the 3% decrease – which will cut the average annual electricity bill for a household by £11 to £370 – is the equivalent of 6% in real terms once inflation has been taken into account. Moreover, NIE's 50,000 small and medium sized business customers, including farmers, will also witness their bills fall on average on 3%.
Cllr McLaughlin continued, "As I say, any reduction must be welcomed but I wouldn't start throwing caution to the wind just yet. How long is this going to last? And is it going to remain across the board? So long as it isn't a false perception that prices are only falling in the short time, I'd be happy enough."
It is expected that the new tariff will remain in place until November at the very least and the price is now on a par with the average in Britain and 17% below the price in the Irish Republic. In November the Northern Ireland domestic electricity market will be open to competition with the introduction of the all-island wholesale electricity market.
For further information on NIE pricing or discounted electricity payment options the number to call is 08457 455 455.
