Full Breakdown
Share Energy Announces 12.6% Electricity Tariff Rise Effective October 1, 2026
9/10/2026, 2:07:38 AM
Tariff Increase Effective October 1, 2026
Share Energy, the Derry-based electricity supplier serving roughly 40,000 Northern Irish households, will raise its standard “Share 24” tariff by 12.6% on October 1, 2026. The change adds an estimated £129 to the typical annual bill, bringing the average cost to about £1,200 per year for keypad and credit-pay customers. The new standard rate will be 35.99 pence per kilowatt-hour, including a daily standing charge of 13.33 pence.
Reason Behind the Rise
The company attributes the increase to sustained growth in wholesale energy costs. Natural-gas futures, which underpin roughly half of Northern Ireland’s electricity generation, have climbed to £1.96 per therm—the highest level since December 2022—after averaging about 85 pence per therm a year earlier. Share Energy notes that a 26% tariff hike was already implemented in April, and that the combined pressure of rising wholesale prices and regulated network and system charges has become “too significant” for the supplier to continue absorbing.
Financial Impact on Households
For the typical consumer, the £129 annual uplift translates to a modest per-day increase but pushes the overall bill toward the £1,200 mark. Households on special night-rate tariffs, such as those for electric-vehicle charging, will see day-rate growth of 13.89% and night-rate growth of 10.46%. The Consumer Council’s head of energy policy, Raymond Gormley, described the move as “very unwelcome news” for the roughly 41,000 Share Energy customers affected.
Responses from Share Energy and the Consumer Council
Share Energy chief executive Damian Wilson called on the Northern Ireland government to address the electricity market’s reliance on gas, labeling it an “Achilles heel.” Wilson said the company has previously shielded customers by absorbing costs where possible but now must pass on the expense, while pledging to lower tariffs once wholesale prices fall.
The Consumer Council urged customers struggling with payments to contact their supplier for assistance and to consider alternative payment methods, tariff options, or suppliers, noting that paying on receipt of a bill is the most expensive approach.
Outlook and Options for Consumers
The tariff rise may prompt other unregulated suppliers to follow suit, according to Gormley, though no further increases have been confirmed. Consumers can use the Council’s free price-comparison tool to evaluate alternative tariffs and suppliers, or seek help via the Council’s helpline (0800 121 6022) or email (contact@consumercouncil.org.uk).
