SaS Blasts Upcoming Changes in Pricing of Water Supplies

Bratislava, October 10 (TASR) - The opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has criticised changes to the method under which water supplies will be charged by the Office for the Regulation of Network Industries (URSO), as they might lead to rapid hikes in water bills. "At the moment, people pay for water in proportion to the volume they use. This applies both to the water itself and its preparation and distribution. Under the new scheme, however, part of the price is supposed to be fixed, regardless of how much, if any, people use. As a result, this will lead to higher water prices for practically all consumers. Invoices many times higher, however, will suddenly come especially to consumers who save water or use only a minimal amount," warned SaS MP Karol Galek. In this context, SaS plans to hold talks with head of URSO Jozef Holjencik at a working session of the House committee for economic affairs due to take place in two weeks. The party will demand an explanation for such changes and measures to cushion households from their impact. mf/df