Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Any reduction in energy bills will be welcome news for SSE Airtricity customers. However I am disappointed that this announcement will only take effect from the 1st April, long after the peak winter period, when household energy use is at its highest.
“Energy prices in the rest of the UK were cut at the end of January, meaning consumers will see at least some reduction in their winter energy costs. The public may rightfully ask: Why do Northern Ireland customers have to wait three months longer for a similar reduction? There is often comment that energy companies are quick to raise prices, but slow to pass on savings to customers and this delay will only give weight to such arguments.
“In a Written Question earlier this month, the Enterprise Minister confirmed with me that the Utility Regulator would be working with Airtricity and Firmus to reduce prices, but that they would only be taking effect from the 1st April. Arlene Foster must do more to encourage energy firms to pass on savings to customers as soon as possible, and attract new competitors into the domestic supply market.”
ENDS