SSE Airtricity has become the latest supplier to increase its gas and electricity prices in the cost of living crisis.
Around 250,000 electricity customers and 85,000 gas customers will be affected around the country, with at least €500 going on to each bill per year as prices jump 45.2% for electricity and by 46.3% for gas.
Its electricity standing charge is also going up by 8% while its gas standing charge is going up by 8% too.
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All these changes come into effect from October 1.
SSE last increased its prices in May when it hiked the unit price of its gas by 39% and its electricity by over 30%.
It's the fifth time since the start of 2021 that prices have gone up.
Commenting on the news, Daragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at bonkers.ie said: "To say these are unprecedented times is an understatement. Price increases of this frequency and this magnitude are clearly unsustainable. And more price hikes from other suppliers later in the year, including SSE, are almost a certainty.
"Since the start of last year, some suppliers have announced even bigger price hikes that have added over €2,500 to households’ annual gas and electricity bills. It’s astronomical.”
"The Government needs to decide now how it plans to help households over the coming months. Is the temporary reduction in VAT being kept? Is another energy credit going to be paid? Is the Government going to place a windfall tax on energy companies - and if so, how would this even work when many are headquartered overseas?"
"Despite the rising prices, there is still good competition among energy suppliers in Ireland for new customers right now and many are offering big discounts for a year to those who switch.
"I’d also encourage households to check out any Government supports which are available such as the winter fuel allowance, the free electricity allowance and the exceptional needs payment. Some suppliers have also set up hardship funds which will provide financial support to those most in need so I’d encourage people to chat to their suppliers too."
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