‘Much more to be done’ for those struggling with gas price hike and other energy pressures

Kevin Higgins, Head of Policy at Advice NI was speaking after Firmus Energy announced a hike of 34% in gas prices, to take effect next month. In November it announced its third rise last year – with prices at that time having more than doubled since October 2020.

“The seemingly never-ending round of energy price increases continue, with a related disproportionate impact on low income households,” Mr Higgins said.

“Whilst there are local measures in place, for example the £2m Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme for those in emergency need via the Bryson Charitable Group website, and the £55m Energy Payment Support Scheme which will provide £200 to people on means tested benefits; given the scale of the energy price crisis and the wider cost of living crisis, much more must be done to help struggling families.”

He said that anyone struggling should contact his organisation via Freephone 0800 915 4604 or www.adviceni.net.

Peter McClenaghan from the Consumer Council said anyone struggling should first of all contact their energy supplier for support, as well as the council itself on Freephone 0800 121 6022 or [email protected]. He also recommended people get their boiler serviced and shop around for the cheapest energy provider.

SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan said yesterday that Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey needs to act now to ensure the £55m Energy Payment Support Scheme is open before the planned time frame of mid-March.

“If the Minister is serious about protecting vulnerable people she must issue fuel support payments now to allow people to get the best value for money rather than just filling the coffers of energy companies,” he said.

The Department of Communities (DFC) responded that the scheme will see a one-off payment of £200 to around 280,000 people but that “the scale of this crisis, which is beyond the remit of DfC, requires a larger government response”.

The DFC also provides a Winter Fuel payment to people born on or before 26 September 1955 and Cold Weather Payments. Support is also available through Discretionary Support and an Affordable Warmth Scheme, DFC added.

Expert hacks to save home heating this winter despite energy price hikes

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry

Editor