Why are Energy Prices so much lower in Northern Ireland?

jimjames

Saw this on BBC. At face value it appears prices in NI are £1000 cheaper than the rest of the UK? Anyone know why they can get lower prices but we can't?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-62688553

https://www.sseairtricity.com/news/sse-airtricity-announces-price-change-in-response-to-sustained-pressure-on-international-energy-markets/

Astria

Where does it say they are cheaper? The typical annual price in NI may be lower than the UK ?

[Deleted User]

 "From 1 October 2022, the typical annual cost of home electricity will be £1,274.78, based on a customer on 24hr SmartSaver default credit meter tariff (Direct Debit with eBilling) with typical consumption of 3,200 kWh. Figures are inclusive of VAT. Actual costs vary according to meter type, individual tariff and consumption."

Typical annual cost of home electricity in the UK is now about £1700 if I remember the cap numbers correctly - based on 3100kWh.

Flight3287462

Because they are part of the Irish grid!

macman

It's a completely different market in Northern Ireland. I understand that 2 out of every 3 houses are still dependent on oil for heating. Mains gas is relatively limited, to Belfast and the surrounding towns, and only went live as late as 1996, when the Scottish pipeline was completed.
Electricity comes from the Eire grid, as the North is part of the single wholesale market that covers the whole island.

Astria

Without the price hike in October:

artyboy

I'm waiting for someone to suggest that we build a gas pipeline from Belfast to Wales.

And maybe we could have a whip round for a very long extension cable 

jimjames

macman said:

Electricity comes from the Eire grid, as the North is part of the single wholesale market that covers the whole island.

That sounds like it could mean Brexit is one reason!