Northern Ireland

Water charges to rise by nearly 5% from April

NI Water says it continues to face ‘significant financial pressures from continued high energy prices and inflation’

NI Water has told some developers they can’t connect to the wastewater network in Belfast until the summer of 2023.
NI Water is increasing non-domestic water and sewerage charges by 4.7% from April 1

NI Water has confirmed that non-domestic water and sewerage charges will rise by an average 4.7% from April 1.

Measured bills will jump by 4.1%, while unmeasured and trade effluent bills increase by 5.3% and 6.8% respectively.

Leaflets will be mailed to non-domestic customers to notify them of the forthcoming pricing changes and how they will be applied.

The utility company’s director of finance, regulation & commercial Ronan Larkin said: “We are aware this is a challenging time for businesses and the economy.

“But like many of our business customers, NI Water continues to face significant financial pressures from continued high energy prices, high inflationary conditions, and other cost increases.

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“While any increase is of course unwelcome, we have worked hard to ensure most of our customers will see their bills rise by less than inflation.

“Specific bill changes operate according to a formula agreed with the Northern Ireland Utility Regulator.”

NI Water's director of finance, regulation and commercial, Ronan Larkin.
NI Water's director of finance, regulation and commercial Ronan Larkin

Mr Larkin said NI Water (www.niwater.com) continues to invest in water and drainage infrastructure to support health, the economy and the environment in Northern Ireland.

“Sustained investment in maintaining and growing this infrastructure is important to continue to meet the needs of all our customers,” he added.

NI Water said that customers who may need extra help with their bill should communicate with us as soon as possible, where its billing team will be on hand on 03458 770030 to offer guidance.