Guernsey Water bills to rise by more than 10% next year
The need to fund investment in reliable infrastructure will see Guernsey Water bills rise between £5 and £7 a month next year, as the company looks to future-proof its network.
The increase will come into force from 1 January. Bills for metered customers will rise by about 11% and unmetered customers by about 12%.
Rising costs of engineering and construction had been acute, but Guernsey Water had borne significantly higher costs in the past two years due to external factors, according to managing director Steve Langlois.
‘We look after a vast network, comprising 14 reservoirs, more than 500km of underground water pipes, two treated water reservoirs, three water treatment works, over 300km of drainage pipes, 58 pumping stations and a wastewater centre. We also serve over 5,000 cesspit customers using States Works’ fleet of 41 tankers. This is some of the island’s most critical infrastructure that must provide 24/7 services, 365 days a year,’ he said.
‘It requires continual investment to maintain, renew and where necessary improve these essential facilities. All these assets require replacement over time, and for that we must continually look many years ahead. Unfortunately, the cost of that has risen enormously over the past two years, for reasons that are outside of our control.’
Since 2018, water and wastewater charges have increased each year by less than the rate of inflation.
Even with the annual increase, water and wastewater charges combined will be on average £1.49 a day for metered customers, and £2.17 for unmetered customers.
The cesspit emptying charge will increase from £7.83 per load to £9.09. This charge now covering less than a third of the cost of the service, with the balance coming from wastewater charges that are paid by all customers.
‘As well as applying an annual increase, the rise in the cesspit charges will start to rebalance the cost of the service. Our aim is to reduce the cost covered by the wastewater charge to two-thirds, which was agreed when it was introduced,’ said Mr Langlois.
‘Delivering the service efficiently will also help. We are working closely with States Works, our service provider on this. The first step, which has now been completed, was replacing the legacy system that was being used to manage the service. Looking forward we plan to use the new system to improve communication and reduce the number of unrequired visits to customers’ homes.’
Guernsey Water’s 2024 budget includes £7.7m. of capital investment in the network and other infrastructure.
During 2023, major investment in the renewal of St Saviour’s water treatment works continued, and its most significant overhaul of the Forest Road treated water reservoir got under way.
Both projects are set to be completed in 2025.
