WATER charges are set to rise by 6% next year – adding £23 to the average household’s bill in 2023.
The increase comes amid a sustained surge in the cost of living which saw gas prices jump by 13.2% last year and Jersey Electricity increase charges by 5% in July – with another 5% rise coming in January.
But the increase in water charges is below the current 7.9% rate of inflation, and Jersey Water says that in real terms prices have dropped by 1.9% in the past ten years.
The company has also pledged that there will be no further price rises until at least January 2024.
Helier Smith, Jersey Water’s chief executive, said: ‘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.’
Mr Smith added: ‘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 our control including the effects of Brexit, Covid and the war in Ukraine on supply chains and financial markets.
‘The costs associated with this summer’s running of the desalination plant and the revenue lost through the imposition of the temporary hosepipe ban have not been factored into the tariff increase and will be funded, in this instance, from reserves.
‘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.’
