THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has made provisions for metered pensioners over the age of 65 years old to pay special rates.

According to a notice from GWI in October, pensioners will not pay the fixed charge of $250, but those with meters would pay $74 per cubic meter for the first 10 cubic meters (2641.72 gallons) and $86 for each cubic meter used after, until September 30, 2019.
Pensioners who are not metered will pay a rate of $740 per month. Registration for the special rates commenced on October 1, 2018.

In order to register, persons would have to visit their nearest GWI office and present their identification card or passport. The GWI account must be in the pensioner’s name in order for the reduced rate to be granted.

GWI had applied to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for an adjustment in fees early this year and after granting the approval to increase the tariff, the PUC urged the company to implement a system which would allow pensioners to be added to its database.
The commission had determined that there would be an increase in rates for consumers who are currently paying $60.90 per cubic meter.

GWI had requested a two-tiered rate tariff for its metered pensioners and a flat rate for its non-metered pensioners.

The new charges for metered residential consumers will comprise a fixed monthly charge of $250 and a monthly consumption charge of $86 per cubic meter for consumers in the $60.90 per cubic meter category.

All customers will pay $112 per cubic meter, however, with the second increase; the monthly fixed charge will be $500 and the monthly consumption charge $112 per cubic meter.