FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(CASTRIES, Saint Lucia; March 13, 2025): The National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) is reviewing a triennial tariff review application submitted by the Water and Sewerage Company Incorporated (WASCO).
The National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) is the economic regulator for the Water, Wastewater and Electricity service sectors in Saint Lucia; having been established under the National Utilities Regulatory Commission Act No.3 of 2016 which guides the conduct of its regulatory functions. As a regulatory authority, the NURC is also mandated to establish, approve, monitor and review tariff schemes and tariffs in accordance with the Section 6(G) of NURC Act.
In light of the foregoing, the Commission wishes to advise that the Water and Sewerage Company Incorporated (WASCO) has submitted its Tariff Application to the NURC for a review of the proposed water and sewerage rates for the 2024-2027 triennium. The Commission has commenced the review of the application through a fundamental three-phased approach.
First Phase– The Commission will conduct a thorough assessment of the Tariff Application. An important aspect of this review will be to establish a firm foundation for economic regulation in the future. The prices for water and wastewater (sewerage) services were last reviewed in 2013. Accordingly, for this Rate Review, the NURC is required to assess WASCO’s submission, that is, its Business Plan, Investment Plan, Accounting Information and other supporting information, in accordance with the Triennial Tariff Application review principles contained in the Water and Sewerage Act Cap 9.03 as amended by the NURC Act. Section 79 and the Water and Sewerage Tariff Regulations. The NURC must also be satisfied that the interests of customers are considered and that prices provide appropriate indicators in relation to the cost of providing service.
Second Phase– The implementation of a stakeholder consultation process wherein WASCO with the Commission as an intermediary will be given the opportunity to offer a justification for the proposed rates to key stakeholders within the sector and representatives of various interest groups in Saint Lucia. At this juncture, WASCO will be required to present key highlights of their proposal and provide rationale to support the request for a tariff adjustment. The presentation will be inclusive of:
- Key challenges and strategies to address and improve the quality of service.
- Rationale for requested tariff review, intended revenue to be generated in the short to medium term and proposed percentage.
- Proposed strategies for addressing public / consumers concerns in respect to efficiency improvements and quality of service challenges.
Third phase – Publication and circulation of the NURC document “Draft Determination Report (Rates and Miscellaneous Charges)” after its review of the Water and Sewerage Service Provider’s Business Plan, Pricing Proposal and other supporting information in conjunction with the feedback solicited from all stakeholders on the keys areas of concern. All stakeholders will be welcomed at this time to comment and provide their invaluable feedback on this crucial document. This phase will also include face to face public consultation sessions between the NURC and various stakeholders during this period.
The NURC will conclude the process by publishing and circulating a Final Determination Report (Rates and Miscellaneous Charges) for the Water and Sewerage sector, upon review of all comments and concerns raised with respect to the specific Draft Determination.
As an impartial and independent body, the NURC remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of protecting consumer interests while at the same time ensuring that the Service Provider has adequate resources to provide the highest quality of service to all customers at efficient cost. The Commissions is cognizant of the need to ensure that the poor and other vulnerable groups have access to these services at rates they can afford.
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