CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Feb 10, CMC – The St. Lucia government Tuesday described as “inaccurate and misleading” social media reports that there has been a 32 per cent increase in water rates.
In a statement, the Phillip J Pierre government said that the social media posts and political commentary “do not reflect the established legal and regulatory framework governing water services” in St. Lucia.
It said that the tariff review remains “a regulated, transparent, multi-step” process led by the independent regulator, the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) with consumer interests central to any eventual decision.
The government said that the Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) is the licensed supplier of potable water and wastewater services in the country and that under the Water and Sewerage Act, and the NURC legislation “WASCO cannot unilaterally increase water tariffs; any rate change must be reviewed, proposed, and formally approved by the NURC, an independent economic regulator”.
It said that last year, NURC began a formal tariff review process for WASCO’s proposed rate adjustments covering the 2024–2027 period.
“The regulator has commenced the first stages of reviewing WASCO’s application, which includes an assessment of the utility’s business plan, investment requirements, and cost of service, followed by public and stakeholder consultations, and eventually a draft determination. The specific proposed tariff figures have not yet been approved or implemented.”
The statement said that NURC has emphasised transparency and public engagement in the tariff review process and has scheduled consultations so that consumers, civil society, and other stakeholders can review proposals, provide feedback, and express concerns before any final tariff decision is made.
“This forms part of the regulator’s statutory duty to balance consumer protection with the sustainability of utility service delivery,” the statement said, noting that as of this time, water charges continue to be based on the last approved schedule established under law.
It said these include tiered domestic water rates, commercial rates, and minimum charges set by NURC.
The statement said that WASCO and the government have consistently acknowledged that St. Lucia’s water utility faces significant operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, climate-related supply variability, and the impacts of extended dry periods.
“These realities make periodic reviews of cost structures and funding mechanisms necessary to ensure reliable, safe water services for residents and businesses alike,” and that any claim of a 32 per cent increase is speculative.
“The percentage figure being circulated on social media derives from draft scenarios presented during the early stages of tariff consideration, not from an official NURC determination or an enacted law.
“Such draft frameworks often model potential adjustments over a multi-year period to illustrate the cost impact under different assumptions. However, these do not constitute an approved tariff.”
The government said it remains committed to affordable access to potable water and that any consideration of tariff adjustments will uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, evidence-based regulation, and protection of vulnerable consumers, including low-income households.
“Members of the public are encouraged to engage with the NURC’s consultation process, review draft tariff reports when published, and submit comments: all of which are integral components of St. Lucia’s regulatory framework for utility services.”
CMC/ak/ir/2026