NSUABR – Water Rate Decision
The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) has approved new water rates that will be effective July 1, 2024:
For a 5/8” meter, residential customer, the average current quarterly water bill is $144.97, and it will increase to $163.54 (12.8% increase) in 2024/25; $177.07 (8.3% increase) in 2025/26; and $178.19 (0.6% increase) in 2026/27. The base charge is decreasing and the consumption charge is increasing. A full list of the rates is here.
How we got here:
The water utility had a $110k deficit during the year ending Mar 2023. Inflation had been higher than anticipated since the last rate study in 2021. As well, the construction costs to replace old water mains has increased significantly in the past year or two. The average age of the water mains is 70 to 80 years old, the utility is investing each year to replace sections of water mains that are failing and leaking.
The utility hired GA Isenor Consulting Ltd to conduct a water rate study that would determine what water rates would be needed to cover costs over the next 3 years. The rate study was presented to Council on Dec 4, 2023 and Council agreed to apply to the NSUARB for a rate increase.
The was a public hearing held in the Council chambers by the NSUARB on Apr 3rd. The hearing was advertised on the Town’s website, social media, and in the Pictou Advocate beginning January 2023 through to the public hearing this past spring. The NSUARB then reviewed all the evidence and determined that the rate increase was reasonable. Their decision was made on Jun 26th. The rates will be effective July 1st and customers will see the new rate on their bill issued in October.
The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) has approved new water rates that will be effective July 1, 2024:
