Budget Energy, Northern Ireland’s third-largest electricity supplier, will increase variable tariffs by 9.5 per cent from 4 August 2026.

This change will affect approximately 105,000 domestic customers on variable tariffs. Those on fixed-price deals are not impacted and will continue at their agreed rates.

A typical credit customer on a standard tariff will see their annual bill rise by about £122, bringing it to around £1,403. A standard-rate keypad user will pay roughly £121 more, with an average annual cost of around £1,390.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said the increase reflects recent rises in wholesale energy costs.

He noted that all five electricity suppliers in Northern Ireland have now either raised their tariffs or announced they will do so.

Gormley pointed out that paying on receipt of a bill while on a standard tariff is the most expensive way to pay for electricity. He recommended that households check if switching payment methods, billing arrangements, or supplier could reduce their costs.

The Consumer Council operates a free, independent price comparison tool for all electricity and gas tariffs in Northern Ireland. It can be accessed online, or by phone and email for those without internet access.