BUDGET ENERGY NI RAISES PRICES BY 9.5% FROM AUGUST

Budget Energy has announced a 9.5% increase in electricity unit rates and standing charges for residential customers on variable tariffs, taking effect from 4 August. The price rise will not apply to customers on fixed-price tariffs. The company attributed the increase to continued volatility in wholesale energy markets, geopolitical tensions and sustained pressures across the energy sector. Ken O'Byrne, Managing Director of Budget Energy NI, stated the company will monitor market conditions closely and encouraged customers to review their tariff options.

Budget Energy said it will notify all affected customers in advance of the change with full details of updated tariffs. The announcement follows similar increases from other Northern Ireland energy providers: SSE Airtricity announced a 6.2% household bill increase effective from 1 August, representing approximately £71.57 extra annually, and Power NI implemented a 6.2% electricity unit price increase from 1 July.

The successive price increases reflect broader pressures affecting the energy market across Northern Ireland. Multiple suppliers have now raised tariffs within a short timeframe, affecting households already facing pressure on everyday costs. O'Byrne acknowledged the timing as unwelcome news for consumers navigating wider cost-of-living challenges.