Irish Water seeks business feedback

THE Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has just opened an eight week consultation on the future of non-domestic water and wastewater tariffs and Irish Water is urging all affected to have their say.

Currently, Irish Water continues to apply the Local Authority non-domestic tariffs that were in place in December 2013.

There are 44 different charging regimes across the country with different tariff structures and over 500 different tariff levels. Recognising this complexity and inequity in business charges, the CRU has asked Irish Water to submit a proposal for a new non-domestic tariff framework.

Irish Water has submitted its proposed framework to the CRU. It covers the design of the new tariffs, a review of the costs of serving the non-domestic sector, and Irish Water’s proposals on how to gradually transition business customers to the new framework over time.

“Irish Water’s aim is to ensure that every business around the country is provided with a clear, transparent, equitable charging regime regardless of where they are located,” said Irish Water General Manger Eamon Gallen.

“Irish Water’s proposals will simplify and standardise these charges across the country, providing equity to all business customers. The new framework is based on a comprehensive review of the costs of providing water and wastewater services to non-domestic customers nationwide,” said Mr Gallen.

“In developing these proposals, Irish Water has consulted with business representative groups and individual businesses and has examined international best practice.”

“This is an important change. Irish Water is encouraging individual businesses and their representative groups to respond to the CRU’s consultation and inform the final determination,” MrGallensaid.