Water companies in the UK may be permitted to charge consumers higher rates during periods of drought and high demand.
Sea-news.az reports that according to a plan being considered by “Ofwat,” the country’s water sector regulator, raising tariffs during water shortages is intended to reduce consumption and promote more efficient use of available resources.
If the proposals are approved, water companies will be able to apply variable tariffs depending on different times of the year and charge higher fees to households that exceed established consumption limits. The implementation of most new tariff systems will require the installation of “smart” water meters in homes.
The details of the plans have been announced at a time when three-quarters of the country is experiencing drought conditions. Restrictions on the use of garden hoses are currently in effect in areas inhabited by 27 million people. At the same time, wildfires are breaking out in forest and grassland areas across a number of regions in the UK. If the proposals are given final approval by “Ofwat” in the coming weeks, the new rules are scheduled to take effect in April of next year.
