The average water and sewerage bill is set to fall in 2021/22, Welsh Water has announced.
The not-for-profit company, headquartered in Nelson, said the average bill for households will be £446.82, compared to £450.87 for 2020/21
The company said it will be the 12th consecutive year it has kept price changes at or below the rate of inflation.
Welsh Water’s Chief Executive Peter Perry said: “Despite what can probably best be described as the most challenging years we have faced, I’m proud that we’ve been able to continue with our record of keeping price increases for the average household bill below the rate of inflation.”
He added: ” We’ve also been able to continue with our planned investment programme and over the course of the year we will have invested £346 million improving services to customers and protecting our valuable environment. We are also expecting to invest £367 million in the coming year.”
The company has said it is supporting 139,000 customers through a range of affordability tariffs and last year temporarily suspended charges to around 45,000 businesses affected by the first lockdown.
Rhodri Williams, Chair of CCW Wales, which represents customers in Wales, said: “It will come as a relief to struggling households that the average bill will fall but we must not lose sight of the fact that many customers are still missing out on financial assistance that could help see them through Covid-19.
“Water is often overlooked when it comes to saving money but trialling a water meter for up to two years or seeing if you’re eligible for Welsh Water’s HelpU tariff if you’re on a low income could potentially shave hundreds of pounds off your annual bill.”