Tariffs for firmus energy's 40,000 customers in greater Belfast, which were increased in April 2013, remain unchanged.
After two years of no price rises in the 'Ten Towns', the increase will affect around 20,000 small businesses and domestic customers and equates to around £1 extra per week for a typical household.
Michael Scott, general manager of firmus energy said: "We understand the importance of price stability for customers and for the past two years we have been able to absorb fluctuations in costs and wholesale energy prices. We appreciate that any increase in price is not good news for customers and it is with regret that we are increasing our tariffs at this time. Firmus energy is committed to providing the lowest possible energy cost to customers and we are pleased that our gas prices are the lowest in Northern Ireland. It is testament to the skill and experience of our dedicated trading team that this is just the third time that we have had to increase our tariffs in almost eight years.
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"The coldest March for over 50 years with a prolonged snowfall saw wholesale gas prices reaching almost double the normal winter price due to the high demand which depleted much of the UK's gas reserves. Replenishing these reserves led to high levels of demand over the usually lower-priced summer period resulting in wholesale gas prices staying higher than normal.
"The cost of oil fluctuates daily and many home heating oil users will be familiar with the volatility in the price of a 'fill'. Oil has been consistently more expensive than natural gas and even with this increase, firmus energy natural gas prices will still be around 20% 4 cheaper compared to the average price of home heating oil over the last 12 months."
Firmus energy has consulted extensively with the Utility Regulator, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland with regard to this price increase and have written to all affected customers.
(CD/JP)
