The revised utility tariffs will be introduced retroactively, effective from October 1st, as proposed last week. This will mean an increase of up to €1.80 per person per week with the revised domestic tariffs.

Most of the commercial users, an estimated 37,000, should expect an increase of some €5.50 per week. Government will however support some 26 major companies when their bills exceed surcharge capping levels so that their costs would not rise by more than 40 percent. The capping system on the surcharge will be phased out over a three-year period.

Revised water tariffs were expected to increase bills by up to €1.19 per week. Some non-residential consumers are expected to experience a decrease in their costs since cross-subsidisation would end, minister Gatt said.