Essential Services Commission’s Post

The diversity of Pacific countries’ geographies, history, and economies has resulted in a range of different approaches to #water regulation and tariff setting. This #webinar, co-organized by ADB, discusses water #tariff structures, the design of pro-poor tariffs, the challenges and opportunities affecting water utility firms’ #business viability, and the cooperation among regulators, governments, and utilities to ensure adequate water access for all. 🟠 WATCH https://buff.ly/3T05yw3 #SDG6 Maria Tran, Sinéad Lehane, Bronwyn Powell, Seymour Singh, Joel Abraham, Kavneel Prasad

💫 Recent Editorial -24 February 2024 💫 👉How LPG subsidy can be redesigned to privilege low-income households Why in the News? Redesigning the LPG subsidies for the benefit of low-income households is crucial to address the challenges identified in the current system. Visit https://lnkd.in/gA6KYJKT to read full article

💡 Extending grid electricity to remote rural communities is costly and faces low demand density, slowing down rural electrification rates. 🔌 Mini-grids offer off-grid solutions but often have higher tariffs, raising questions of fairness. 🤔 How can we address tariff injustice and ensure equitable electricity access? Read full report: https://buff.ly/3MEHaO4

(£) Top stories today 💧 Lords: Don’t expect ‘shambolic’ Ofwat to sort out water companies https://buff.ly/4h0GoHE The government has been warned against “pinning its hopes” on existing regulators to turn around the performance of water companies. Specifically, government has been urged to reconsider the effectiveness of granting additional powers to the Environment Agency and Ofwat by members of the UK House of Lords. Lords from all sides of the house raised concerns about both regulators, during the second reading of the Water Special Measures Bill, labelling Ofwat as “shambolic” and “weak”. 💡 Sweeteners for new customers may be allowed under BAT reforms https://buff.ly/4dO5E14 Energy retailers may be allowed to make introductory offers to entice in new customers under possible changes to the Ban on Acquisition Only Tariffs (BAT). That is one idea being floated by Ofgem, which is exploring the possibility of making the BAT a permanent feature of the energy market. Ofgem has operated on the basis that any rewards and promotions exclusively aimed at new customers are almost certainly going to be in breach of the ban and as such, it has advised suppliers to refrain from making such offers. The regulator has however hinted that it would be open to amending the rules to allow suppliers to make “introductory offers” for new customers. 🟢 Reducing VAT for all retrofit improvements would boost green growth https://buff.ly/4eZpA1Z The Budget marks a real opportunity to give a boost to green growth that could help address the heat-leaking homes blighting the lives of millions of low-income households and families across Britain. Writing for Utility Week, National Warm Homes Council chair David Lennan explores how the chancellor can support homeowners to lower their emissions and bills while creating more jobs and bolstering the UK economy.

🎥 Webinar Our recent Cost of Supply (COS) Study for Municipalities webinar is now available on demand! View on now: https://lnkd.in/dUqDCEDe Learn how to conduct a simplified COS study using the NERSA-endorsed tool to set fair, cost-reflective tariffs for your municipality. With these insights, you'll be able to make informed decisions on electricity rates and infrastructure investments. Enlit Africa

Water utility companies rely primarily on #water tariffs and #government grants as funding sources. To strengthen the financial #resilience of water utility companies, this insight piece recommends 🟠 optimizing service volume and tariff pricing for greater revenue 🟠 managing expenditures efficiently 🟠 implementing an effective asset #management system 🟠 letting go of liabilities, and 🟠 securing adequate capital. READ ➡️ https://buff.ly/3TvVJ8q #SDG6 Mikael Andersson

It's crucial to hold them accountable and demand the return of public funds wrongfully taken. Our nation cannot afford such exploitation, especially when energy shortages persist. Authorities must penalize these IPPs and ensure justice for the public by recovering the funds misused. It's time to push for transparency, fairness, and a system that prioritizes the needs of the people over profit. #Accountability #PublicFunds #EnergyCrisis #Transparency

💼🌿 Amidst talks of rising living costs, there’s an untold story about fuel prices in Ireland that might just brighten your day. Our latest analysis suggests that when it comes to fuel, Ireland could be doing better than we think. Join us as we unpack the data that’s fueling optimism for consumers and businesses alike. Discover the insights that challenge the narrative – fuel in Ireland might just be the unsung hero of your expenses. #IrelandBusiness #EconomicOutlook #FuelForThought #PositiveEconomics https://lnkd.in/eXayHvpf

Irish businesses are bracing for water bill increases of up to €150,000. Ibec warns that these hikes, combined with rising operational costs, may deter future investments in Ireland. Discover the details of the new water tariff structure and its potential impact on industry leaders

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is urging the government to make some changes to help boost economic growth, specifically in the transport sector. The group have even suggested several things the government could introduce, such as an emissions-linked fuel duty rebate scheme, to lessen the current financial burdens that are looming over businesses. What do you think should be introduced to help relieve the financial burden? Let us know below...