NI Water has announced that from 1st April 2023, non-domestic water and sewerage charges will rise by 13.4% on average. NI Water has announced that from 1st April 2023, non-domestic water and sewerage charges will rise by 13.4% on average.

The utility's non-domestic customers include: small, medium and large businesses, farms, industrial users, voluntary organisations and charities, public bodies, churches and non-household use properties.

NI Water Director of Finance, Regulation & Commercial, Ronan Larkin, commented:

“We are aware how challenging the environment can be for local businesses within the economy right now. In previous years, we have been able to limit the non-domestic price increase to strike a balance between generating sufficient income and minimising the impact on business customers. Whilst NI Water has again absorbed as much cost as possible, the company is facing significant financial pressures from rising energy prices and other cost increases.

“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.

“It is well documented that NI Water needs to receive full funding to ensure we continue to deliver a water and sewerage service that represents good value for money. The revenue from bills will help support necessary investment in our infrastructure, benefitting the local economy and environment. However, even with full funding and bill increases, historic underinvestment will take in the region of 12 to 18 years to remedy.

“Measured customer bills will rise by 12.7%, while unmeasured and trade effluent bills will rise by 13.7% and 15.5% respectively. This compares favourably with other utilities across Gas and Electricity sectors.

“NI Water is mindful of the impact of price rises, it is therefore important that customers who may need extra help with their bill communicate with us as soon as possible. Our billing team will be on hand to offer guidance, including payment breaks or longer repayment plans.”

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

The RPI measure of inflation used is based on November 2022 RPI which stood at 14.0%, however energy prices and other opex costs remain higher than inflation.

The water company said the need to raise tariffs reflects the impact rising inflation has had on the cost of providing water and sewerage services to customers.