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16 October 2014
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Burning money
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on next : Gerry Anderson

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COST OF ELECTRICITY

Why have electricity prices here not come down? The cost of oil has certainly dropped. But many people in the North West say they haven't been enjoying the benefit of lower prices for their electricity.

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The electricity regulator, Iain Osborne, told Mark Patterson that he's going to investigate why our electricity prices are so high. They went up by a third in October. NIE described the review as "timely". And they promised that "if, as we hope, lower fuel costs are realised, NIE Energy will pass on any benefit to customers as soon as we can."

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Sean McMonagle found an anomaly with the keypad meters used to monitor electricity... which came up after the clocks went back. NIE say you can extend the switchoff time with a special code.

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Dolores explained how she copes when the keypad meter runs out in the morning.

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Ronnie told Mark he'd invested in a gas heater as running a two bar electric one was just too expensive.

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The Eat or Heat campaign revealed that one group of pensioners had decided to "pool" their houses to reduce fuel costs. Alison McElhinney said she expected hundreds to take to the streets in protest.

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Kathleen Bradley, an advice worker from Dove House in Derry, says people are getting it tight.

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Eleanor Gill from the Consumer Council says she wants to put together a dossier of consumers experience.

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NIE's spokesperson, Kirstie Forsythe, advised listeners to check carefully that they're paying the rate they should be.

BBC Radio Foyle has asked listeners to keep tabs on the cost of living. Those who pay through the keypad meter felt the impact early.

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Glenn says his bills have increased by about a third.

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One listener with Economy Seven says it's just not good value for money.

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Margaret says it doesn't seem fair that her bills are higher because she pays with a keypad.

See also:

Your comments about electricity prices..»

Calculate your personal inflation rate..»

How we're being affected..»

Household costs from the Consumer Council.

Building firm in administration..»

Credit crunch crime.

Energy saving tips from NIE ..»

Can't heat or eat campaign..»

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