The CRU has today, 12 March 2019, published a Consultation Paper, on Irish Water’s proposals regarding household water conservation (excess usage charges).
This proposal follows legislation introduced in 2017 which sets a household water allowance and provides for charging customers who use above a certain annual allowance. This encourages households to conserve water and, where possible, identify and fix leaks in their water supply. Excess use charges are intended to promote conservation and personal responsibility for water use and help Ireland meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Current CRU and Irish Water analysis indicates that the top 10% of households account for almost 40% of water services demand. The excess usage charge is intended to prompt behavioural change in this 10% and reduce overall water use.
The CRU invites responses to the questions set out in Section 4 of the consultation paper by 23 April 2019.
