Taiwan Water Corp (TWC) chairperson Lee Jia-rong (李嘉榮) yesterday said the state-owned utility is evaluating the potential adjustment of water prices, a measure that if approved would likely target heavy users.
At an event held in Taichung to celebrate TWC’s 50th anniversary, Lee made the remarks when asked if water prices could rise for the first time in 30 years.
The utility is looking to expand its existing four-tier pricing system to a six or seven-tier system, meaning that bills would be progressively higher as water usage increases, he said.
Photo: CNA
As of Aug. 9, last year, the rates imposed by TWC are NT$7.35, NT$9.45, NT$11.55 or NT$12.075 per cubic meter of water, depending on the volume of water used and if the bill is issued monthly.
Users who consume 50m3 of water or less per month, which is about 92 percent of all users, would not see much of a change, Lee said, adding that if anything, the price they are charged could fall.
Most water users pay NT$200 to NT$300 per month, and could see a price cut of about 2 percent with the introduction of an expanded tier system, he said.
However, that would also mean heavier users would see prices rise in line with their consumption level, Lee added.
Given that such an adjustment plan concerns people’s livelihoods and the economic development, different opinions on the issue are expected, Lee said.
Any water rate adjustments would have to be screened and approved by the Water Tariff Review Board under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, he said.
TWC later released a press statement saying that Lee’s comments reflect internal discussion at the company.
However, there are no concrete plans, the company said, adding that TWC would weigh up a range of factors, including commodity prices, the financial situation at TWC and the stability of supply, before proposing a water rate adjustment plan.
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