Increase In Non-Domestic Water Charges

NI Water is to increase it prices by 2.4% for non-domestic customers from 1st April this year.

The firm said it is the first increase in water and sewerage charges in three years. In the previous two consecutive years, NI Water reduced all non domestic charges. Non domestic charges were reduced on average by 2.5% in 2013/14 and then by a further 4% in 2014/15.

NI Water Director of Finance & Regulation, Ronan Larkin said: "We are conscious that economic conditions continue to be difficult for our customers and so we have worked hard to minimise any increase in tariffs for our customers, insofar as we have been able to. It is worth noting business customers will still be paying 5.6% less, on average, for their water and sewerage services than they were in 2012.

"We have worked closely with the Utility Regulator and in conjunction with the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) to ensure the increase is as low as possible and represents good value for our customers.

"A typical unmeasured bill will increase annually by approximately £16 while the smallest measured (metered) bill will increase by £4. The largest measured company will see an annual increase of £45."