Electricity Pricing, Water & Sewerage Rates
Manx Utilities has published its annual statutory notice to customers providing information on electricity pricing and water and sewerage rates to come into effect from 1 April 2015.
The annual statutory notice (PDF format).
The statutory notice announces an overall average inflationary electricity price increase of 2.2% (with unit price changes ranging from 0.9% for industrial unit tariffs to 1.5% on domestic unit tariffs), a 2.2% increase in the water rate to 313.97 pence in the pound and confirms the implementation of the sewerage rate at 61.29 pence in the pound.
Electricity and water charge increases are likely to represent about £2 per month to the average residential consumer’s electricity bill and less than £1 increase per month to the water rate for an average rateable value.
Chairman of the Manx Utilities, Alfred Cannan MHK said:
“I am well aware of the financial pressures that exist for many consumers on the Isle of Man and we are doing our very best to keep prices at the lowest levels possible. As many of our customers know we have a high level of debt servicing costs which impact on our ability to react as quickly as we would like to changing gas prices but on the plus side I can assure our customers that our reliability levels are well in advance of our competitors in neighbouring jurisdictions. I should also point out that our electricity prices were frozen for three consecutive years leading up to 2014/15 and that Manx Utilities is ahead of its merger business plan. We will be monitoring very carefully the impact of the lower gas and oil prices on the business and I hope this can be reflected in future tariffs if feasible.”
The overall electricity price increase has been structured to deliver a small increase in unit charges for domestic, commercial and industrial customers, coupled with adjustments to fixed charges which more accurately reflect the value of providing reliable electrical infrastructure. Working with Government and customers to support economic growth, Manx Utilities understands the vital role the manufacturing and commercial sectors play in supporting our Island, and the internationally competitive pressures they face. This is reflected in industrial electricity tariffs which remain lower than they were four years ago in real terms.
Manx Utilities is pleased to now offer the new Sustainable Generation Tariff to domestic and commercial customers who wish to install their own green generation systems (such as microwind turbine or photovoltaic) at 8.75p for all generation that is exported to the grid.
The implementation of a Sewerage Rate of 61.29p in the pound was accepted by Tynwald on 20 January 2015 following a decision by the Manx Utilities Board to replace the unpopular Sewerage Charge with a Sewerage Rate; this to be levied on properties connected to the sewerage system from 1 April 2015 until otherwise amended by Tynwald. In support of the economy the Board further agreed a 50% sewerage rate discount to certain non-domestic properties, such as factories and commercial properties; in addition religious and charitable institutions will not be charged for 2015/16 under the Rating and Valuation Act 1953.
Customers are encouraged to call Manx Utilities Customer Services Team on 687675 if they have any questions or concerns regarding bills or charges.