http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0816/airtricity-business.html
Energy company Airtricity is to increase its gas and electricity prices over the next couple of months, blaming a significant increase in the cost of wholesale energy, particularly gas.
Airtricity said electricity prices would rise by 12.3% from September 1, while gas prices go up by 21.2% from October 1.
Standing charges for electricity will also rise by 12.3%, but gas standing charges will be unchanged. Standing charges are fees paid to other companies for use of their network.
Airtricity said it regretted the increases. Chief executive Kevin Greenhorn said the company had done its best to absorb the increased costs of energy, but could no longer do so.
Last month, the energy regulator gave Bord Gáis permission for a 22% increase in gas prices from October 1. Bord Gáis has also raised its electricity prices by 12%.
Airtricity said that, as a result of the rises, a typical electricity customer would pay an extra €2.53 a week, while those using both gas and electricity would pay an extra €5.45 a week.
Will there be a sudden jump to another provider all sudden,or will the new provider welcome aboard the new customers and raise their own prices ?.