The Firmus Energy gas tariff is set to decrease by more than 11% following a review by the Utility Regulator.
The Utility Regulator started a review of Firmus Energy (Ten Towns area) and SSE Airtricity Gas Supply’s (Greater Belfast and Western areas) regulated gas tariffs for domestic and small business customers in January.
The body’s director of markets, Colin Broomfield, said there will be no change to the SSE tariff.
“Following our analysis, we have determined that Firmus Energy’s regulated tariff will decrease by 11.84%, and there will be no change to SSE Airtricity Gas Supply’s regulated tariff,” he said.
“Firmus Energy’s decrease of 11.84%, or £136 per year, will come into effect from April 1.”
He added: “Following the conclusion of our review of the gas tariffs, the combined regulated gas and electricity tariffs in Northern Ireland will be lower than the price cap in Great Britain and Republic of Ireland combined tariffs, from April 1.
“Power NI’s regulated tariff was reviewed in October 2024 and a 4% increase came into effect on December 1.
“It is important to note that the wholesale energy market continues to be volatile.
“We will continue to monitor the regulated suppliers’ tariffs to ensure that regulated tariffs reflect the actual cost of providing gas and electricity to consumers.”
The Consumer Council said the reduction will be welcomed by around 70,000 domestic and small business Firmus customers in the Ten Towns gas network area.
Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council, said: “This gas tariff decrease is very welcome news but gas wholesale markets still remain very volatile due to various factors.
“We have worked closely with the Utility Regulator and regulated supply companies over the past few years on providing additional support and protection for consumers facing high energy prices. This work to support and protect consumers will continue.”