Utility Regulator confirms 10.1% gas tariff cut for Ten Towns customers

Gas customers across Ballymena and the wider Ten Towns network are set to see their bills fall again from April after Northern Ireland’s energy regulator completed its latest tariff review.

The Utility Regulator has confirmed a 10.1% decrease to the regulated gas tariff for Firmus Energy customers in the Ten Towns area.

The reduction, which comes into effect on 1 April 2026, is expected to reduce the average annual bill by around £94 for domestic and small business customers.

The announcement follows a formal tariff review launched earlier this year.

Commenting on the outcome, Colin Broomfield, Director of Markets at the Utility Regulator, said:

“In early February 2026, we began a formal review of the regulated tariff for domestic and small business gas customers of Firmus Energy.

“Our analysis has resulted in a 10.1%, or £94 per year, decrease to the regulated tariff for domestic and small business customers in the Ten Towns area. The decrease will come into effect on 1 April 2026. This follows on from the announcement last week that SSE Airtricity Gas Supply’s regulated tariff is reducing by 8.1% or £80 per year.”

According to the regulator, the tariff reduction has been driven by falling wholesale gas prices and the return of previously over-recovered costs to customers.

Broomfield explained:

“The reasons for this reduction to Firmus Energy’s regulated gas tariff is due to a fall in wholesale gas costs and an over-recovery being returned to customers.”

However, the regulator also warned that global developments could quickly change the outlook for energy prices.

“Both tariff reviews were completed before the recent conflict in the Middle East began. The conflict has impacted gas prices globally, which have risen sharply over the last few days. We expect that wholesale gas prices will remain volatile while the conflict continues. We will continue to monitor the regulated tariffs over the coming weeks.”

The regulator also highlighted how Northern Ireland’s regulated energy prices compare with neighbouring markets. From 1 April 2026, the combined regulated electricity tariff alongside the Firmus Energy gas tariff in Northern Ireland will be lower than the price cap in Great Britain and tariffs in Ireland.

Alongside the announcement, the Utility Regulator urged households who may be struggling with energy costs to seek support.

Broomfield said:

“If you are worried about paying for your electricity or gas, there is help available. We would encourage you to contact your supplier in the first instance, to make them aware of your circumstances, and discuss the options available.

“In addition, there are a number of agencies who can provide free and independent advice to households, including Advice NI, Christians Against Poverty, the Consumer Council and Money and Pensions Service’s MoneyHelper.”

The tariff decision marks the conclusion of a review carried out by the Utility Regulator and Firmus Energy, in consultation with the Department for the Economy and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

At a glance

• The Utility Regulator has confirmed a 10.1% reduction in Firmus Energy’s regulated gas tariff for the Ten Towns area

• The change will take effect from 1 April 2026 for domestic and small business customers

• The decrease is expected to reduce average annual bills by around £94

• The regulator says falling wholesale gas costs and returning over-recovered charges to customers enabled the reduction

• A separate regulated tariff cut for SSE Airtricity Gas Supply customers of 8.1% was announced the previous week

• Global gas prices have risen sharply in recent days due to conflict in the Middle East, which regulators say may cause volatility

• Households struggling with energy bills are encouraged to contact their supplier or seek advice from independent support organisations