NI Water has announced changes to its non-domestic water and sewerage charges which will see charges will increase, on average, by 2.4% from 1st April 2015 for the incoming financial year.

This is the first increase in water and sewerage charges in three years. In the previous two consecutive years, NI Water has 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.

The water company said the increases are necessary due to “unavoidable external factors” impacting on operating costs and the cost of necessary improvements to the water and sewerage infrastructure to meet standards and improve quality for customers.

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.

Leaflets will be mailed to approximately 74,000 non-domestic customers to notify them of the forthcoming pricing changes and specifically, how they will be applied.

The new charges, to be reflected in bills from April, follow the Utility Regulator’s decision on the prices NI Water should charge customers between 2015-21.