SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has spoken of the adverse impact of rising energy hikes for families and businesses following price hikes by Power NI and Airtricity.

Mr McGlone who is the Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Development Committee said: "The recent electricity price hikes by two leading suppliers, Power NI and Airtricity will have been worrying to loyal customers who are seeing increases of up to 18% on their bill.

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"Across the North we have people living in fuel poverty and placed in the invidious position of choosing between heating their home and feeding their family. This is a disgraceful situation as household incomes get lower and electricity costs in particular have substantially risen.

"Businesses too will be adversely affected by exorbitant fuel costs which make it difficult for businesses to operate.

"What we need to see is fair pricing for consumers and this may well include increased government regulation of costs to consumers.

"At a time when Power NI has attributed price hikes to market fluctuation within the gas industry it is very difficult to understand how renewable energy sources such as wind have seen such a corresponding rise

"It is high time for a productive debate with all sectors so that consumers can have access to equitable energy prices."

(CD/MH)