12.5% tariff increase for firmus energy users in Greater Belfast network 'as a direct consequence of the ongoing Middle East conflict'
Firmus energy has announced today an increase on their regulated gas tariffs of 8.98%, for domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns gas network areas.
The increase will be effective from 1 October 2026.
The firmus energy tariff increase means that the annual gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by around £87.
Customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £85 per year.
This announcement follows a previous tariff increase of 15.65% from firmus energy in July 2026.
The increase will impact around 77,000 domestic and small business firmus energy customers in the Ten Towns gas network area.
There has also been a firmus energy 12.5% tariff increase announcement for the Greater Belfast Network area, effective from 8 October 2026 and this will impact around 54,000 domestic and small business customers.
The annual gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by around £147. firmus energy customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £144 per year.
Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council said: “This is the second tariff increase from firmus energy in the Ten Towns network within a couple of months and the first increase in the Greater Belfast network in a year.
"This will be very concerning news for firmus energy customers as their typical annual heating and electricity bills will now top £2,000.
“Global wholesale gas prices have increased significantly since March 2026 as a direct consequence of the ongoing Middle East conflict, and another rise on gas tariffs this autumn was inevitable due to the continued volatility of the energy markets.
"This will place even further pressure on household budgets.
“The Consumer Council works closely with the Utility Regulator and regulated supply companies to ensure that appropriate support is in place to help protect consumers during energy price increases and that any cost savings are passed onto consumers quickly when wholesale energy prices begin to decrease.
“We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly, as suppliers have said that they are keen to offer their customers help and support,” added Raymond.
The Consumer Council’s website has advice and information on how to save money by being more energy efficient at home, free electricity and gas comparison tools and information on organisations who can help if you are struggling to keep on top of energy bills; visit www.consumercouncil.org.uk.