GAS prices in Jersey are set to rise by 7.5% in less than two weeks time.
The increase – which is more than double the Island’s current rate of inflation (3%) – equates to around £9.50 extra a month for an average household.
Island Energy blamed global gas prices for the added cost to consumers which is set to be introduced on 16 January.
The gas company mentioned the hike in an update on their website.
Jersey Electricity meanwhile announced in October that prices would also be increasing by 7.5% this month, adding around £2 to the existing weekly electricity bill of around £27 for the average Jersey household.
Island Energy interim manager Darryl Goddard said: “Geopolitical events across Europe have continued to impact the price of wholesale gas over the last 12 months. Energy markets are subject to a variety of complex influences which impact our supply chain and keep the cost of services that are crucial to the supply of gas high. We understand that tariff increases can be difficult for our customers to manage, but given these circumstances they unfortunately cannot be avoided. We’re continuing to invest heavily across our network and drive forward a comprehensive maintenance programme.”
Mr Goddard added that “vulnerable customers” could register for the company’s Priority Care scheme, “and we will assist them with safety checks, prioritising call outs, energy-saving advice, and by offering payment plans, where customers can spread the cost of their winter bills across the whole year if they sign up to a fixed direct debit”.
Customers can register for Priority Care by visiting islandenergy.je/priority-care
