Maynilad water rates up by January

MANILA, Philippines – Starting January next year, households in the west zone of Metro Manila will see higher water bills due to a scheduled rate increase by utility firm Maynilad Water Services Inc.

Maynilad’s average charge will rise by 2.8%, equivalent to P1.26 per cubic meter of water for unsewered customers and P1.47 per cubic meter for sewered customers.

This means the water bill of a residential customer consuming 30 cubic meters per month will increase to P851.24 from P828.72.

Maynilad’s one-time discount of P1 per cubic meter for lifeline customers will also expire this year. As a result, the monthly water fee of unsewered residential customers consuming 10 cubic meters or less will increase to P119.62 from P106.71.

Maynilad’s rate increase has been approved by regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Water concessionaires in Metro Manila file their business plans, which include tariff rates, for approval of the MWSS every 5 years.

Rate increases are calculated by assessing concessionaires’ allotted capital expenditures in proportion to their net incomes. Current inflation levels, foreign exchange adjustments and extraordinary price adjustments are also taken into consideration.

January’s rate hike is due to changes in inflation and foreign exchange rates, according to Maynilad.

Maynilad is a joint venture between Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Consunji-led DMCI Holdings Inc.

The water services utility serves the cities of Manila except portions of San Andres & Sta Ana, Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue), the northern part starting from the districts of the Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite province. – Rappler.com