Water rates to increase by 6%

Brace up because as of the beginning of the upcoming fiscal year, water rates will see an estimated six and a half percent increase in the cost per gallon. The increase is less than the sixteen percent applied for by Belize Water Services Ltd. to the Public Utilities Commission in late December. The PUC, in a release issued today, has partially approved the request in its Initial Decision for the 2014 Annual Review Proceeding for the water company.  Notwithstanding a call for a significant spike in existing tariffs, the PUC concludes that certain adjustments will be made and shall come into effect between April first and March thirty-first 2015. The new rates will not affect consumers on Caye Caulker.