NI Water holds price increases below inflation.
14 April 2011 9:28
NI Water has announced increases in its non domestic water and sewerage charges. Metered customers will see an increase in their combined water and sewerage bills of approximately 4%. Unmeasured customers will see their combined bills increase by approximately 3.5%.Whilst these price increases are unavoidable, NI Water has limited increases to well below the current level of retail price inflation of 5.3%.
NI Water is required to annually review the charges levied for water and sewerage charges and agree them with the Utility Regulator in order that customers pay the fairest rate for the water and sewerage 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 2010-2013.
The full Scheme of Charges is available on NI Water’s website and outlines changes for measured (customers with a meter) and unmeasured (customers without meters) charges.
Liam Mulholland, NI Water’s interim Head of Customer Services explains,
“Whilst these increases are unavoidable, we are very conscious that these are difficult economic times for our customers. We have, therefore, gained agreement to limit any tariff increases to less than inflation.
“The charges for the 2011/12 year have all been agreed by the Utility Regulator in conjunction with the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI).
“Leaflets will be mailed to approximately 90,000 non-domestic customers to notify them of the forthcoming pricing changes and specifically, how they will be applied.
“NI Water is committed to providing a high standard of service to all our customers. Anyone with questions or concerns about the Scheme of Charges can phone our Billing Enquiries Team on 08458 770030.”
Advertisements outlining the changes are also being carried in daily newspapers.
For further information, customers can contact NI Water’s Billing Enquiries team on 0845 877 0030 or online at www.niwater.com/waterandtradeeffluentcharges.asp