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197 AIRPORT ROAD WEST BELFAST BT3 9ED TEL: 0845 455 5555* FAX: 028 9055 5500 24 hour gas escape number 0800 002 001* *Calls may be recorded and monitored September 2005 |
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Dear Customer NOTICE ON TARIFF CHANGE On 1st October our gas price will go up by 29.9% solely because it is costing us more to buy our gas. This is in line with increasing world energy prices worldwide. We have formally consulted with the Regulator and the Consumer Council and both are aware of the justification for the increase. In a rising energy cost situation, being energy efficient is more important than ever. To help we have enclosed some tips. However if you would like more advice on saving energy, you can contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512 012 or visit on-line www.est.org.uk/northernireland. Whilst we understand that this increase will be unwelcome, natural gas remains highly competitive compared to other fuel choices and should be compared to the rising costs of home heating oil which has by increased over 40% in the last year and more than doubled in past two years.¹ You do not need to do anything at this time. We will contact you regarding your monthly payment change by the end of November. Details of the new tariff price are printed overleaf. Also please take time to read the enclosed leaflet which will answer some of your questions on this price increase. Yours sincerely, Alastair Pollock Retail Operations Director Enc ¹ The average oil price of six main retail oil distributors was 36.3 pence per litre (inc VAT) on 20th Sept 2005, 25.6p on 21st Sept 2004 and 17.5p on 23rd Sept 2003. METER READING (028) 9055 5864 MINICOM GENERAL (028) 9055 5801 . MINICOM EMERGENCY 0800 731 4710 Registered Office: Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd., 197 Airport Road West, Belfast BT3 9ED. Internet: http://www.phoenix-natural-gas.com Registered in Northern Ireland No: 26420. E-mail: info@phoenix-natural-gas.com The new tariff for Home Energy customers is:
Discount for Direct Debit on consumption up to 8,000 kWh per year is 0.2756 pence per kilowatt hour (inc VAT). For consumption above 8,000 kWh the discount is £22.05 (inc. VAT) per year All customers pay for a minimum of 2,000 kWh per year, which is £91.08 (inc. VAT). 2,000 kWh could be used by one or more appliances like a cooker or tumble dryer. The Direct Debit Discount for the minimum usage is £5.51 (inc. VAT) per year. What you can do to save energy and become more efficient when using gas.The controllability of gas makes it easy to take energy efficiency measures. The simple steps outlined below aim to help you consider ways you can save on your fuel usage comfortably. Don't open windows or doors to cool a room, turn down the heating instead. By cutting your temperature by just 1°C could save you up to 10% on your heating bill. Check your hot water temperature, you should have a thermostat on your hot water system, you can change it to make sure you are not using more than you need to. The usual level for hot water is 60°C (140°F). Ensure your hot water storage cylinder has an insulating jacket at least 80mm (3") thick. Control your heating, only use your heating when you need it. As a guide use your timer sensibly - set it to come on or go off 30 minutes before you need it or before you go to bed or out for the day. Check you have thermostatic radiator valves on all your radiators to help you control the temperature in each room. Use energy wisely throughout the home and don't waste energy in rooms you don't use. Make sure all doors are draught-proofed. Double glazing reduces heat loss, or a cheap alternative is to buy a roll of clear film and stretch it across your window frames in winter. Curtains should not cover radiators. Ensure your boiler is serviced annually and operating to its optimum efficiency level. For more help on energy efficiency measures contact the Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre online at www.est.org.uk/northernireland
Your questions answeredWhy is this price increase happening now? The price we pay for gas is driven by the world energy market. In Europe, gas prices are linked to oil, so the high oil prices are having a direct impact on the cost of gas we buy. The prices we are paying on the world market have increased by over 60%, and as gas makes up half of your bill, this increase is unavoidable. When will I be able to buy my gas from someone else? Under the EU Directive all domestic households in Northern Ireland will be able to choose their gas and electricity supplier by July 2007. The largest industrial customers are currently able to choose a gas supplier other than Phoenix. Do we need to call with meter reads on 1st October? No, the next time we read your meter we will allocate your usage over the two tariff periods. www.phoenix-natural-gas.com |
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