Bills Expected to Rise in April

Electricity bills will likely rise by 1.7p per unit from April, with water and waste-water rate charges going up too.

Manx Utilities’ proposed increases have been confirmed after this month’s Tynwald sitting voted on its plans for sewage charges.

The public owned utility supplier, said: ‘The price of electricity in the Isle of Man will still be comparable to those in the United Kingdom, despite Manx Utilities maintaining lower electricity prices than those in the United Kingdom during the energy crisis.’

The standard domestic rate tariff will increase from 30.0 to 31.7 pence per unit on April 1 2024. According to Ofgem, the UK regulator, the energy price cap from January 1 up to March 31 on a default domestic tarriff will be 28.62p per unit, however the UK has a much higher standing charge (53.53p compared to 23.3p here).

While the wholesale cost of gas has come down from its record highs, costs remain more than double the level before the energy crisis began in 2021.

Chair of Manx Utilities, John Wannenburgh MHK, said: ‘Manx Utilities’ Board have been very aware that increases in its tariffs and charges have put pressure on the finances of its customers, and has worked hard to limit expected increases for 2024 to inflationary levels.

‘We will be undertaking a pricing strategy review during 2024 and hope that wholesale energy markets will continue to stabilise in the coming months and reduce the energy cost pressures on Manx Utilities and our customers.

‘We would always recommend that customers who are concerned about their electricity bills get in touch with the customer care team, who are best placed to offer advice.  Each enquiry is treated confidentially and the support provided is specific to each situation.

‘There are many steps that can and are taken to avoid the worries of a disconnection, so much so that the occurrence is extremely rare.  Manx Utilities ultimately wishes to ensure that their customers have access to their essential utility services as and when they need them.’