Rise in cost of gas and electric

The rise in electricity costs adds almost £150 to the average bill

Energy price rises for householders and businesses in Northern Ireland have come into effect.

Escalating wholesale fuel costs were blamed by NIE and Phoenix Gas when the increases were announced amid widespread shock last month.

Electricity bills are rising by a third, gas by almost a fifth.

The increases were approved by Northern Ireland's utility regulator, who said the new prices had been subjected to extensive scrutiny.

The rise in electricity costs, which adds almost £150 to the average bill, follows a 14% increase in July, while the 19.2% rise in Phoenix gas prices comes after a 28% increase just five months ago.

An independent review of the electricity tariff-setting process is being carried out, a process which will take about six weeks to complete.

The Department of Social Development has set up a fuel poverty task-force to help the most vulnerable.

It has produced recommendations which are due to be considered by the Northern Ireland Executive, which has not met for the past three months.