Airtricity announces Gas and Electricity price increases

Airtrcity has followed Bord Gais and announced prices rises from September 1st. Gas unit prices will rise by 21% and Electricity by 12%.

They blame the wholesale price of energy which has dramatically increased over the last year.

No word yet from the ESB but it seems likely that they will be following the price rises of its competitors in short order.

Keep an eye on www.bonkers.ie if you are thinking about making a switch in the coming days.

FS

Are you a loyal ESB customer?

If you like many people resisted the call to make the 'big switch' over the last couple of years and have stayed loyal to the ESB you must have been happy to hear the fanfare surrounding the headline price reductions announced by the ESB as they are now allowed to complete in the market again.

You would imagine your loyalty would be rewarded and all existing customers would move automatically to the new lower tariffs, unfortunately this is not the case, you need to opt in to the new plan. Details are available on https://www.esbelectricireland.ie/switchchange/allPricePlans.htm .

A somewhat sneaky tactic that relies on the ignorance of their existing customers.

FS

Save money on your heating bills

With a fairly hefty gas increase coming down the lines this Autumn, there are things you can do to reduce the pain, these are just a few simple tips.

• Reduce the number of rooms that are heated...turn the rads off in that dining room that's only used at Christmas!
• Use your timer effectively, no need to have it on for hours before you come home from work, it should be sufficient to set it to come on 30 minutes before you arrive.
• Turn the heat off an hour before bed, the rads will continue to warm your room for a while.
• Turning your thermostat down by 1 degree can save up to 10% on your bills.
• How warm are your rooms? Living rooms should be about 20 degrees and bedrooms are most comfortable at 18 c.
• Close doors in the house, it will help keep the warmth in and prevent heat loss from unheated parts of your home.
• Make sure windows and doors are shut and sealed properly, check for drafts and remedy.
• Close your curtains, this will help retain heat in a room.
• Don't let curtains overhang rads as that will block the heat output.
• If your cold, pop a jumper on!

If your in a a older house you may look at making more drastic changes with insulation which could save you a lot of money over time. Grants are available for insulation, look at Sustainable Energy Ireland for Details: http://www.seai.ie/

PS. Every home that is put up for sale/rent must now have a BER cert (Building Energy Rating). The cert will provide a grade of energy efficiency from A(Best) to G(Worst). Energy efficient homes will be more attractive to potential buyers. This is another reason to look at adequately insulating your home.

FS

Bord Gais to request price increase in the Autumn

Bord Gais chief Executive John Mullins has announced that it will be seeking a double digit price increase from the Commission for Energy Regulation in July, to take affect in October.

Gas: Increase of 10-20%
Electricity: Increase of around 10%

He blamed a spike in energy prices on international markets and pointed out that wholesale gas prices had doubled over the last year. The company was no longer in a position to absorb such significant price increases and would have to start passing them on to consumers.

If you are with BG, make sure to watch the market carefully over the next few months, if its a truly competitive market, the other players will either do their best to attract customers by resisting increasing their prices...or simply coalesce to increase prices across the board. Either way be prepared to migrate your supply when the dust settles we can see who is offering the best value in the market.

FS

Save on your Electricity and Gas

Now that the ESB (Electricity Ireland) is allowed to compete again it means that there is a wide rang of options as to the cheapest method of getting your gas and electricity. The wide range available can be confusing, visit http://www.bonkers.ie/compare-gas-electricity-prices/ and find out whats the best option for you.

To switch you normally only need your existing suppliers account number and a meter reading. You can save further by signing up  to paperless billing and pay via Direct Debit.

FS