SSE Airtricity to reduce gas prices by 8% from April

Northern Ireland's largest provider of natural gas, SSE Airtricity, is to cut its prices by 8.10% from 1 April for its 215,000 domestic and small business customers.

It means the annual gas bill of a typical household in the greater Belfast and west gas areas with a credit meter will reduce by £80 a year.

Customers with a prepayment gas meter will see their typical costs reduce by around £79.

Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council said the decrease was good news.

"It indicates a gradual downward curve in wholesale energy prices," he said.

"However, the energy market does continue to remain volatile due to ongoing global geopolitical concerns."

The Utility Regulator also welcomed the decrease and said it was the result of a fall in wholesale gas costs.

Leigh Greer, head of market regulation at the Utility Regulator said it would continue to monitor the regulated tariffs to make sure any further falls in costs are passed through to customers.

"While this is good news for consumers, we recognise many households and businesses are still struggling," he said.

"If you are worried about paying for your electricity or gas, help is available."

An announcement on Firmus Energy's regulated gas tariff is expected within a week.