The SDLP’s Mark H Durkan
The 16.31% price increase is due to come into effect on 3 May 2022 and will mean an extra £15.44 per month for the average household bill in the Ten Towns area.
Said Mr Durkan: “It is an absolute disgrace that Firmus Gas customers in Derry will face yet another price hike of 16.31% which will affect over 59,000 households.
“Bearing in mind this is one of a series of price hikes in recent months which will see the average household gas bill rise by £,1500 a year.
“That’s on top of rising food and energy costs. The completely unsustainable cost-of-living is undeniably an emergency situation for the North of Ireland.
“Fuel support schemes to date have not been adequate- payments have already been made and the Emergency Fuel Support scheme overseen by the Bryson Charitable Group has now closed for applications.
“As a result of the intransigence of the DUP, people here will be left completely unprotected in the months ahead.
“In the face of an emergency, the electorate have once again been left vulnerable, without the support or even concern of political leadership.
“We need parties that recognise where executive priorities need to be at; improving wages for working people and creating a fit for purpose welfare system to ensure that people have enough in their pockets to put food on their tables and heat in their homes.
“Tackling the bread and butter issues must take precedence.”
