As NWC revenue plunges, delinquents get discounts
Published:Sunday | May 17, 2020 | 8:56 AM
A dramatic fall in monthly revenue has caused concern for the managers of the National Water Commission as the utility provider grapples with the fallout of the new coronavirus, which has shuttered hundreds of businesses, including large hotels.
Even with billing of approximately $3 billion in both February and March, tightened curfews, lockdowns, and closures contributed to a 30 per cent drop in revenue in April.
Some services provided by the NWC have been discontinued - partly because of contagion fears among employees - NWC President Mark Barnett said during a virtual press conference via Zoom.
The Office of Utilities Regulations (OUR), the industry watchdog, has waived four guaranteed standards, including the temporary suspension of meter reading, for three months.
“We have to balance the concerns of staff against the activities to be performed. We have human beings who are just as fearful of contracting the coronavirus as the wider public,” Barnett said.
Among a raft of measures that took effect yesterday was a 30 per cent discount for customers in residential and condominium categories owing amounts in excess of 90 days.
Barnett also announced plans for the implementation of a programme next week that will offer incentives to customers across the island for conserving water.
“We are fine-tuning that programme, and we will be looking at consumption from April going forward,” the NWC president said.
Disconnections will also be put on hold, with reports of high bills triggering investigations.
“You will just pay the average of what you normally pay, and then we will resolve the matter over subsequent periods,” he said.