New water charges also a burden

The new utility tariffs seem to be earmarked for a downward revision in March, judging by the pressure from several unions and certain welcome statements from the government.

It is extremely perturbing, however, that the only tariff being mentioned for eventual revision is that for electricity consumption. It seems that no one is bothering to press on a parallel backtracking on the new steep water consumption charges, and on the more than doubled service or meter charges.

Up till last September, consumers were charged €0.384 per cubic metre of water for the first 33 cm per person in a household, per year - before any surcharge addition. Further consumption was charged at €2.562 per cm.

Now, the charge for water is €1.40 per cm for the first 33cm per person per year, and €5.15 per cm for the rest. Summer residences fare much worse as they now fall under an even steeper tariff regime of their own.

As an example, a family of four consuming an annual 150cm of water in their domestic residence used to pay €96.80 per year before surcharge up till last September. Now the same family has to fork out €277.50 (equivalent to 186 per cent surcharge).

Combined domestic meter charges amounted to €55.90 per year up till last September. The same charges now are €124.

Those thankfully voicing concern and championing the citizen's plight on this issue should not ignore these burdening increases for water consumption and meter charges, as we would remain stuck with them for good. They should give them as much attention as they do for increased electricity tariffs.