Water And Sewerage Charges Frozen

Water and sewerage charges are to be held at the 2015/16 levels from the beginning of April, NI Water has announced.

The decision to freeze measured and non-domestic unmeasured tariffs will mean nearly 80,000 non-domestic customers will benefit from a 'real' reduction to their water and sewerage charge. 

NI Water Director of Finance & Regulation, Ronan Larkin said: "NI Water's ability to hold water and sewerage charges for 2016/17 at the same levels as 2015/16, is testament to our continued efficiency while improving services, and investing in essential infrastructure. Ideally we would have liked to have held the trade effluent costs which will rise by 2.8%, however, these customers are also predominately measured water and/or sewerage customers, and as such will still benefit.

"This announcement is excellent news for local businesses who continue to trade in difficult economic conditions. Taking into account inflation, our non-domestic customers are paying 12% less, on average, for their water and sewerage services than they did four years ago.

"We have worked closely with the Utility Regulator and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) to ensure the tariffs represent good value for our customers.

"Information will be mailed to approximately 80,000 non-domestic customers to notify them of the forthcoming pricing changes and specifically, how they will be applied. "

NI Water is required to annually review the charges levied for water and sewerage services and agree them with the Utility Regulator in order that customers pay the fairest rate for the services they receive. The new charges, to be reflected in bills from April, follow the Utility Regulator's decision on the prices NI Water should charge customers between 2015-21.



(MH)