Increased fuel cost sparks NI electricty price rise

Electricity prices for Northern Ireland consumers are set to go up by almost 3% from the start of April, it was announced today.

Northern Ireland Electricity said the rise of 2.8% was a result of a significant increase in power station fuel costs but added that it was in line with inflation.

It will mean a typical customer paying around 16.5p a week or £8.60 a year extra.

The company said fuel costs at power stations in the North had increased by around 12% last year.

NIE spokesman Robin Greer said: “These price increases are disappointing and unwelcome, especially since NIE’s own charges to the customer continue to fall under the current price control.”