SSE Airtricity electricity prices to rise from August as households face extra £76 a year

Thousands of households across Northern Ireland are set to see their electricity bills rise again next month after SSE Airtricity announced a tariff increase of 6.2%.

The increase, which takes effect from 1 August 2026, will add around £76 a year to the bill of a typical credit customer and standard-rate keypad customer.

For many households already dealing with higher living costs, the latest rise means annual electricity costs for a typical SSE Airtricity customer will increase from around £1,229 to approximately £1,305 per year.

Around 134,000 homes across Northern Ireland are affected by the change, according to the Consumer Council.

Wholesale energy costs behind latest increase

SSE Airtricity, Northern Ireland’s second largest electricity supplier, said the increase reflects rising wholesale energy costs.

The Consumer Council said the latest price rise was disappointing news for households but acknowledged the pressures facing energy suppliers following recent movements in wholesale markets.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said:

“From August, approximately 134,000 homes in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity cost increase, bringing the average annual electricity bill for a typical credit and keypad customer to around £1,305. While this is disappointing for households, the rise reflects the recent increase in energy wholesale costs.”

The Consumer Council’s calculations are based on an estimated annual electricity usage of 12,000kWh.

Advice for customers struggling with bills

With many households continuing to feel pressure from rising costs, the Consumer Council is encouraging anyone worried about paying their bill or topping up their keypad meter to seek help as early as possible.

Mr Gormley said:

“Any SSE Airtricity customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills or top up their keypad meter should contact their supplier without delay to get advice and support.”

The Consumer Council also urged consumers to review how they pay for their energy, as payment methods can significantly affect overall costs.

How customers may be able to reduce costs

According to the Consumer Council, customers who pay on receipt of a bill and remain on standard tariffs are often paying the highest available rates for electricity.

Mr Gormley said:

“Being on a standard tariff and paying on receipt of a bill is the most expensive way to pay for your electricity. Switching payment methods, changing billing method or even switching supplier may save you money.”

Consumers are being encouraged to compare available tariffs regularly, particularly as suppliers continue to respond to changes in wholesale energy prices.

Free comparison tool available

The Consumer Council operates a free independent energy price comparison tool that allows consumers to compare all electricity and gas tariffs available across Northern Ireland in one place.

Residents who would prefer support over the phone or who do not have internet access can contact the Consumer Council directly for assistance.

The Consumer Council can be contacted on 0800 121 6022 or by email at contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

The latest increase means many households across Northern Ireland will enter the autumn and winter period facing higher electricity costs, making shopping around for the best tariff increasingly important for families looking to manage household budgets.