6% Rise In Water Bills

Water bills will rise by 6% in January.

Jersey Water says it is putting up tariffs in response to pressure on its costs, but that this will be the only rise of the year.

The increase will put an extra £23 pounds a year on the average household water bill.

The utility company says it has to make sure it has sufficient income to operate and to invest in the network, when it is facing higher energy, transport and labour costs.

Chief Executive Helier Smith, says the firm is keeping increases to a minimum, and the rise is below inflation (June RPI 7.9%)

“Like many businesses we are experiencing sizeable increases in our operating costs including energy, raw materials, labour, transport, and financing.

These cost increases are driven by factors outside of our control including the effects of Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine on supply chains and financial markets.

We are acutely aware of the increased cost of living in Jersey and the impact that is having on household budgets. We have been actively doing what we can to shield customers from these increases, however, it is essential that Jersey Water maintains its capacity to invest in the island’s water supply infrastructure."

Jersey Water says the £8,000 a day cost of running the desalination plant during this summer's drought has not been factored in to this tariff rise.

Nor has the lost revenue from the hosepipe ban that was introduced in late-August, and which remains in place.

Those costs are being met from the company's reserves.

Mr Smith says the firm is pledging no further increase until January 2024.

"We are pledging no further increase until January 2024 and would encourage customers who are concerned about the impact of the increase or paying their water bill to contact the Jersey Water Customer Services Team."