Metro Manila consumers are bracing for additional expenses in 2024 due to approved rate increases by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS) for two water concessionaires.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. will implement an average rate hike of P7.87 per cubic meter, while Manila Water Co., Inc. costumers will experience an increase of P6.41 per cubic meter.
Manila Water's average basic charge will rise to P42.26/cu.m. in 2024, including P1.27/cu.m. for inflation and P5.14/cu.m. for its spending program.
Maynilad's rates will increase to P47.57/cu.m. in 2024, taking into account P1.40/cu.m. for inflation and P6.47/cu.m. for capital spending.
Customers will face varying monthly cost increases based on their water consumption levels.
Manila Water, Maynilad water rates to increase in 2024
At a glance
Metro Manila residents are poised to encounter higher expenses in the upcoming year, as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS) has approved a rate increase for two water concessionaires beginning January.
Patrick Lester N. Ty, MWSS chief regulator, said Maynilad Water Services, Inc. will implement an average rate increase of P7.87 per cubic meter, while customers of Manila Water Co., Inc. will see a rise of P6.41 per cubic meter.
Ty said the water adjustments, which factor in inflation and the expenditure programs of the two water concessionaires, will come into effect beginning January 2024.
To recall, the MWSS approved higher rates for the two concessionaires last year, with the increases set to be phased in over a five-year period from 2023 to 2027.
Ty explained that the rate hike is necessary for Maynilad and Manila Water to recoup costs associated with projects aimed at ensuring a sufficient water supply in anticipation of the projected moderate to extreme El Niño phenomenon next year.
In 2023, Maynilad allocated P16.6 billion to capital expenditure projects, whereas Manila Water invested P11.2 billion in various projects.
Manila Water has been approved to increase the average basic charge from P35.85 per cubic meter to P42.26 per cubic meter in 2024, which includes P1.27 per cubic meter for inflation and P5.14 per cubic meter for its spending program.
The additional cost is expected to result in a monthly increase of approximately P2.96 for low-income lifeline customers, P34.12 for those consuming 10 per cubic meter a month, P76.68 for those consuming 20 per cubic meter a month, and P154.55 for those consuming per cubic meter a month.
Conversely, the west zone concessionaire Maynilad is set to raise its rates from P39.70 per cubic meter in 2023 to P47.57 per cubic meter in 2024, an increase of P7.87 per cubic meter.
This adjustment incorporates P1.4 per cubic meter for inflation and P6.47 per cubic meter for capital spending.
Consequently, this will result in an additional monthly cost of P4.74 for low-income lifeline customers, P26.61 for regular lifeline customers, P100.67 for those consuming 20 per cubic meter a month, and P205.87 for those consuming 30 per cubic meter a month.