NI Water has announced new charges for the 2025/26 period - effective from 1st April 2025, non-domestic water and sewerage charges are set to increase by 7.7% on average.

The proposed tariff increases must comply with price limits set by the Utility Regulator. The price limits limit the extent to which tariffs can be increased.

Typical measured customer bills will rise by 7.0%, while typical unmeasured and typical trade effluent bills will rise by 8.6% and 9.6% respectively.

Measured customers are charged for water and sewerage based on a meter reading. Unmeasured customers are charged based on the Net Annual Value (NAV) of their premises.

NI Water said the need to raise tariffs reflects the impact rising inflation and continued high power costs has had on the cost of providing water and sewerage services to customers.

NI Water Director of Finance, Regulation & Commercial, Ronan Larkin, commented:

“NI Water’s proposed charges undergo a robust process, and any increase must comply with price limits set by the Utility Regulator.

“Tariff increases in line with these price limits will see non-domestic tariffs rise by 7.7% on average from 1 April 2025. This compares favourably against price increases in other water and sewerage utilities across Scotland, England and Wales.

"NI Water operates in a challenging funding environment with high expectations to provide a cost-effective water and sewerage service. The revenue from bills will support necessary investment in infrastructure, benefiting the local economy and environment."

The water company said it is important that customers who may need extra help with their bill communicate with it as soon as possible. Ni Water’s billing team will be on hand to offer guidance, including payment breaks or longer repayment plans.

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

The full Scheme of Charges will be available on the NI Water website from 1st April 2025 at https://www.niwater.com/services-for-developers/charges/

Anyone with questions about their bill or the charges can phone the Billing Enquiries Team on 03458 770030.