2024-11-10 21:34:00
Prices for drinking water services in the city of Córdoba have increased since this weekend. This is a 10.39 per cent increase authorized by the Public Services Regulatory Entity (Ersep) in the latest provincial official gazette.
The price increase was requested by concessionaire Aguas Cordobesas last October and was approved by most officials within the regulatory body.
This increase corresponds to the cost shortfall that the Roggio Group companies estimated to have suffered in July and August.
Preparations for the new invoices have already begun and this adjustment is the sixth so far in 2024. )–;then increased again in May, in another case by 11.8% due to higher concessionaire costs in February. Adjustments related to January were also made.
The third rise in 2024 occurred in July, with the company gaining 10.46% in March on the back of Ersep. Subsequently, it grew by 11.51% in August (April) and by 14.08% in September (the two-month period from May to June).
So far this year, after six cumulative adjustments, Córdoba’s water volume has increased by 189.9% between November 2023 and August 2024 (inclusive).
Facundo Cortés, an Ersep board member of the opposition party (UCR), said that when the company’s request for a price increase became known, “Aguas Cordobesas will ask for at least another increase this year.” He also voted against the request for a rate increase.
It must be remembered that under the concession contract, the company’s order with Ersep can be triggered every six months or when the coefficient of variation of costs stipulated in the agreement exceeds 8%.
Given current inflation levels, this ratio was exceeded almost every month until the middle of this year. Now, as the overall cost of easing increases, the “trigger point” is around two months.
According to the Córdoba Consumer Price Index survey by the General Directorate of Statistics and Census of the Province of Córdoba, the “Water, Sewerage and Stormwater Drainage” program increased by 198% until 2024 (January to September). Data for October will be released this week.
In the first nine months of this year, water prices in Córdoba increased less than those for electricity and natural gas. In fact, according to the same report, Epec adjusted by 306.3% and services provided by Ecogas adjusted by 241.4%.
Inter-annual data, that is, from September 2023 to the same month in 2024, the water bill increased by 275.3%. Taking electricity as an example, it grew by 391.6%, and natural gas grew by 291.2%.
Intercity transportation: 415.5% increase in 2024
Traffic ticket prices rose by 6% on Friday, following an increase in October. There will be another adjustment in December (5.2%).
The cumulative amount in 2024 is 415.5%.
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#Water #consumption #increase
**Interview with Maria Gonzalez, Public Policy Analyst at the Córdoba Institute for Urban Studies**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. Recently, the Public Services Regulatory Entity (Ersep) approved a 10.39% increase in drinking water prices in Córdoba. Can you explain the main reasons behind this adjustment?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Certainly! The increase was primarily requested by Aguas Cordobesas, the company responsible for water services in the region. They cited cost shortfalls they experienced in July and August as justification for the hike. This decision was supported by most officials within Ersep, reflecting their obligation to ensure that service providers can maintain operations sustainably.
**Editor:** This adjustment actually marks the sixth increase in 2024 alone. How does this frequency of price hikes affect the residents of Córdoba, especially in terms of financial burden?
**Maria Gonzalez:** It’s a significant concern for many residents. With a cumulative increase of approximately 189.9% in just a year, many households are feeling the pressure. The frequent hikes can lead to budgeting difficulties, particularly for low-income families. The public’s ability to pay for essential services like water is being increasingly strained.
**Editor:** Given these ongoing increases, what steps can the local government take to address public concerns while balancing revenue needs for water services?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Transparency is key. The government should engage in open dialogues with the community to explain the reasons for these hikes, and consider implementing a tiered pricing structure that protects low-income households. Additionally, exploring alternative funding sources or efficiency improvements within the service provider could help mitigate the need for frequent increases.
**Editor:** What impact do you believe these price increases will have on the community’s overall water usage and conservation efforts?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Price increases can sometimes encourage conservation, as residents may become more mindful of their water usage in response to rising costs. However, if the prices escalate too quickly, it may lead to frustration or even backlash from the community. It’s crucial for authorities to promote water-saving initiatives alongside these increases, ensuring that the public understands the value of conservation.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Maria. It’s clear that the situation regarding water pricing in Córdoba is complex and requires careful consideration from all stakeholders involved.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me; it’s an important conversation to have as we navigate these challenges.
