The City of Thompson has revised its water utility rates for 2016, once again marking a significant increase in quarterly rates. Residents with the minimum 15mm water line can expect to pay a total base rate $121.06 per quarter, a 14.6 per cent increase over the 2015 rate.
The customer water charge has increased minimally by two per cent, from $76.27 in 2015 to $77.80 in 2016. The bulk of the increase comes from the wastewater charge, jumping from a base rate of $9.80 to $22.96 for a 15mm line. Commodity rates for water usage beyond the included 14 cubic metres have risen to $1.45, a three per cent increase over last year’s $1.40. Additional wastewater usage has risen by 134 per cent to $1.64 per cubic metre, from the previous rate of $0.70. The increase in wastewater rates was planned in anticipation of payments related to the construction of the wastewater treatment plant, though construction has not begun as expected.
Associated fees have changed for 2016, with water meter installation running $500, scheduled and unscheduled disconnections running $320 and $480 respectively, and reconnections running $320.
The continued increase in rates comes as the result of a 30 per cent decrease in water usage since the installation of water meters in 2010, so as to avoid deficits related to water treatment. Order 146/14 from the Public Utilities Board on Dec. 24, 2014, reads “While the board commends the ratepayer’s conservation efforts, this means rates were set using overestimated volume of water. The City also indicated to the board that an interim rate increase would allow the City to issue tenders for capital projects early in the year. This results in a more competitive bidding and potential cost savings to the city.” As water usage declines, rates must increase to accommodate maintenance and staff costs, which do not shrink due to reduced usage.
All rates are expressed according to the minimal meter size of 15mm. While the service charge remains constant, commodity charges will vary with line size, as additional water is included by default. Residents and business owners using larger lines may consult Order 146/14, available www.pub.gov.mb.ca.
Despite the spikes in rates over the last two years, rates are expected to stabilize for 2017: services charges will increase by 1.55 per cent to $79.35, while the total quarterly bill will increase by 1.6 per cent, to $123.03.
