NI consumers facing huge rise in electricity prices

Consumers in the North are facing an increase of up to 20% in the coming months as a result of the rising cost of natural gas.

Northern Ireland Electricity confirmed yesterday that the rise, due to be officially announced next month, would be in the double figures, but not any more than 20%.

Help the Aged has expressed disappointment with the news, which comes just a week after the announcement of a 30% hike in gas prices.

The organisation said the latest increase would be a bitter blow to pensioners, whom it claimed would be left with a choice between paying their bills or eating a meal.