NWC submits application for 51% tariff adjustment to OUR

October 20, 2026

Jamaicans could soon see an increase in how much they pay for water, sewerage and other services.

This comes as the National Water Commission (NWC) has asked the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) to raise tariffs by 51 per cent.

NWC Acting President Kevin Kerr made the disclosure during this morning’s meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

He said the request, submitted last Friday, will place the Commission in a position where revenues can meet expenses.

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The OUR will review the submission and make a determination.

Mr. Kerr also noted that engagements will be held with customers before any increase is implemented.

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The NWC was last granted an interim tariff in 2019.

Meanwhile, the National Water Commission says $21 billion of its $33 billion debt is related to General Consumption Tax (GCT) liabilities owed to the Government.

Chief Financial Officer Fabian Christie made the disclosure during this morning’s meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, while responding to questions about the Commission’s debt.

The debt, detailed in an Auditor General’s report, reached an estimated $33.2 billion by March 2026.

The report attributes the debt to an accumulation of unpaid bills to suppliers, as well as severe liquidity and collection challenges.

It also found that the situation affected capital spending and project prioritisation.

According to the report, the NWC’s financial performance improved from a loss of $5.7 billion in 2019/2020 to a profit of $200 million in 2023/2024.

However, this did not translate into stronger liquidity.

The report noted that payables continued to rise, increasing from $10.6 billion in 2016/2017 to $33.2 billion in 2025/2026.

Mr. Christie noted that the net improvement of $4.6 billion does not represent the cash available to meet the NWC’s payables and financial obligations.

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He noted that with the majority of the debt owed to the Government, there is a need for a tariff increase.

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