WASCO addresses concerns over high bill balances: “There has been no increase in water rates.”

The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) on Tuesday issued the following statement to address concerns over high bill balances:

WASCO is responding to recent complaints regarding a purported spike in bill balances and is again providing further clarification. As has been previously stated, WASCO has recently completed a conversion process of our computer system in an effort to improve efficiency and customer experience. However, during that transition, we encountered technical difficulties which impacted our inability to issue bills to customers in the last quarter of 2020. At that time, customers were advised to continue making payments to prevent an accumulation of bills.

To date, our internal issues have been resolved and billing has resumed. WASCO takes the opportunity to apologize for the inconvenience caused due to these events and we understand the level of concern over the accumulated charges that customers are now receiving.

Regarding claims of an increase in water rates, WASCO wishes to explain there has been no increase in water rates. Further any increase in water rates has to be mandated by the National Utility Regulatory Commission (NURC). And at this time the NURC has not approved any increase.

Domestic water rates start at a minimum of $24.42 per 2000 gallons and the first 3000 gallons is charged at a rate of $12.21 per 1000 gallons. In excess of 3000 gallons, the rates stand at $24.92 per 1000 gallons. The minimum commercial rates are charged at $66.46 per first 2000 gallon, thereafter, $33.23 per 1000 gallon.

As a caring corporate organization WASCO wishes to stress that it will continue to keep its commitment to providing potable and waste water services to all consumers despite the economic and financial challenges affecting business operations due to COVID-19. As such, the decision to suspended disconnections until further notice continues to remain in effect. However, customers are advised to continue making payments to their accounts and to visit our help desk for bill balance related queries. So far, the customer queries for high consumption have all been resolved and there have been no anomalies.

WASCO also strongly urges customers to closely monitor water usage at home and to initiate conservation practices whenever possible. WASCO again sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused over the past few months.