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2 Additional Services Charges
Irish Water has developed a proposed scheme of charges in line with anticipated Customer requests. The following proposed charges are to be included in the Water Charges Plan. These figures are estimates/indicative charges based on limited existing information gathered from Irish Water Business and Operational sections, and review of data from Local Authorities and Water Utilities in the United Kingdom. It is anticipated that the further development of detailed Additional Services Charges would take approximately 12-18 months.
It is expected that in the absence of more specific charges the majority of scenarios would be covered by a Site Visit / Investigation Charge, plus any quote for additional reasonable costs incurred.
The list of items considered for the Water Charges Plan was as follows:
Site Visit – Customer request to review blockages, leaks, and any quotes for non-standard works;
Disconnection/Reconnection – At Customer request to turn flow on/off, or remove pipework;
Special Meter Read provision;
Pressure Testing;
Meter Testing; and
Water Quality Testing.
Proposed Additional Services Charges
Service Charge
Site Visit / Investigation – Standard Hours €188 for the first hour on site plus €94 per hour thereafter
Site Visit / Investigation – Out of Standard Hours
€282 for the first hour on site plus €141 per hour thereafter
Site Visit / Investigation – Requiring additional services
Reasonable rates and costs incurred Special Meter Read €17 (Conditions apply)*
Meter Testing Reasonable rates and costs incurred
Pressure Testing €220 or actual reasonable rates and costs incurred
* Special Meter Read to be done by Metering Services which will collect metering data only. No additional site works or investigation will be undertaken.
In previous Irish Water documents, Standard Charging has been determined to mean that parties connecting to the water and wastewater network will not be charged the actual
3 location-specific cost of their connection method, but rather a CER approved Standard Charge.
Principles for Additional Services Charging
The following principles were proposed in determining the Additional Services Charges: 1. The “Site Visit / Investigation” Charge would be for the initial site investigation and/or
standard activities;
2. Irish Water will only apply charges to the customer for actual work done;
3. Where it is found to be the responsibility of Irish Water (e.g. water quality is outside normal parameters, water pressure issue is on IW side of boundary, etc.), the issue will be escalated within Irish Water and appropriate action taken. A “Site Visit / Investigation” Charge will not be applied;
4. Where it is found to be the responsibility of the customer (e.g. pipe rot on customer side of boundary, leakage on Customer side of boundary, improper fittings, etc.), further action would be the responsibility of the Customer. The “Site Visit / Investigation” Charge would be applied and would appear as a line item on the customer’s invoice; 5. Any additional charges incurred would be assessed on a case by case basis, based on
“…reasonable actual costs incurred through activity based costing...” and
6. Customer requested visits or works shall be conducted on a pre -payment basis, or billed on invoice.
Methodology
The following methodology was undertaken in determining the proposed Additional Services Charges:
Gather information from Local Authorities on any current additional charges;
Liaise with customer call centre reading the process for dealing with customer requests;
Gather information from other Jurisdictions (Scottish Water and NI Water) to review their published scheme of charges and review how some of these charges (i.e. Site Visit) was developed and the methodology applied for arriving at their figures;
Review quoted prices and rates from “A Multi-Supplier Framework for the Provision of Minor Civil Engineering Works to Irish Water”;
Engaged with Irish Water Operations & Maintenance Team to provide sample scope of works and indicative pricing in regards to site visits, site investigations, and typical customer requested works;
Request and review an external Civil Engineering Services provider that Irish Water would normally use for services a list of typical daily and hourly rates for various personnel;
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Review Bord Gais Networks Additional Services Charging document and investigate how this document was developed and the methodology applied for arriving at their figures;
Review ESB Networks Statement of Charges to investigate if there are any similar charges applied; and
Gather suitable information from current Meter Data framework and Metering Program framework for review current costs incurred.
Site Visit
The Site Visit / Investigation Charges are based on hourly rate for a skilled professional (e.g. Senior Engineer) plus an Irish Water overhead. The figure allows for 1 hour travel, and the first hour on site. Out of Standard Hours Charges are based on time-and-a-half hourly rates. This method is consistent with Scottish Water and some of the Local Authorities.
Considerations were taken from information gathered from other jurisdictions (Scottish Water and Northern Ireland Water), Local Authorities, Irish Water Operations & Maintenance, an external Civil Engineering Services provider that Irish Water would normally use for these services, and resource rates obtained from “A Multi-Supplier Framework for the Provision of Minor Civil Engineering Works to Irish Water”.
Based upon the above information (See Appendix 1), it was established that typical hourly rate for a skilled professional (i.e. Senior Engineer) is €75.00 per hour. The basis of these rates was obtained by the resource rates from “A Multi -Supplier Framework for the Provision of Minor Civil Engineering Works to Irish Water”. Tenders were received from circa 200 suppliers nationwide and the hourly rate represents the average tendered charge for a senior engineer.
Using this figure, the Site Visit Charges were calculated as follows: 1. Site Visit / Investigation – Standard Hours
Hourly Rate for Skilled Professional (€75.00 per hour) X (2 hour minimum)
PLUS (Irish Water Overhead) = €188
Any additional hours would be charged at the hourly rate plus an Irish Water Overhead
= €94/hour
2. Site Visit / Investigation – Out of Standard Hours
Hourly Rate for Skilled Professional (1.5 X €75.00 per hour) X (2 hour minimum)
PLUS (Irish Water Overhead) = €282
5 Any additional hours would be charged at 1.5 time the hourly rate plus an Irish Water Overhead
= €181/hour
Again, this approach is consistent with the methodology used in Scottish Water and some of the Local Authorities.
Irish Water Operations and Maintenance have provided an indicative call out inspection charge of €165 (based on a 3 hour minimum). This charge is consistent with what some of the Local Authorities are currently charging.
Disconnection / Reconnection Charges
Upon review of the current charges outlined by the Local Authorities, other jurisdictions (Scottish Water and Northern Ireland Water) and Bord Gais Networks, it was found that the Disconnection / Reconnection Charges are quite varied and the methodology of billing and customer collections systems are not consistent.
It was determined that most standard works will be covered under Site Visit / Investigation Charge, plus any quote for non-standard works based on reasonable costs incurred.
Special Meter Read
A Special Meter Read will be conducted if the customer has requested a subsequent meter read be undertaken outside of the normal meter reading schedule.
In regards to any Special Meter Reads requested, these are to be conducted by contracted services under the Metering Data Management Framework, and only the metering data shall be collected. No additional site works or investigation shall be undertaken.
The basis of the Special Meter Read Charge was obtained by the resource rates provided from the Metering Data Management Framework for Special Meter Reads, plus an Irish Water overhead.
It should be noted that the Bord Gais Networks Siteworks charges a figure of €34.80 for special meter reads, and Roscommon Co. charges a figure of €78a for special meter reads (identical to the amount charged for a Site Visit).
Meter Testing
If a customer believes that their water meter is not registering accurately, Irish Water will, upon the customer’s request, arrange to have it tested. If the meter is accurate to within tolerances, a Meter Testing charge will be allocated to the customer. This charge shall
6 consist of any actual costs incurred by Irish Water to have the meter tested, plus any additional costs incurred for removing and replacing the meter. If the meter is found to be accurate to within tolerances, the customer will not be charged. This method is consistent with Scottish Water charges.
A standardised charge for Meter Testing will have to be built up over time based upon actual costs incurred.
Pressure Testing
Should a customer request a pressure test, Irish Water will arrange the pressure test. The Pressure Testing Charge will consist of the actual costs of the pressure test, plus any costs incurred.
Irish Water Operations and Maintenance have provided an indicative “Testing Fee” of €100 per test (payable in advance) which would be in addition to the Site Visit / Investigation Charge. Additionally, Fingal County Council have a published a charge of €250/test for this service.
The basis of the Pressure Testing Charge rates consists of the one hour’s minimum rate of charge (as per the Site Visit / Site Investigation Charge), the indicative “Testing Fee” provided by Irish Water Operations and Maintenance, plus an Irish Water overhead charge. Water Quality Testing
Irish Water, in cooperation with the Local Authorities, takes a proactive approach in regards to water quality. Water sampling and testing is conducted on a continuous basis and any Customer complaint in regards to quality is taken seriously and addressed promptly. If the tested water quality is already within accepted standards and tolerances, the Customer may arrange their own private water test through a third party or through the Health Service Executive (HSE).
7 Appendix 1 – Additional Services Charging of Other Jurisdictions and Local Authorities, and Additional Sources
1. Additional Service Charging of Other Jurisdictions and Local Authorities Local Authority /
Jurisdiction
Additional Service Charges Other Charges Scottish Water Provision of information:
£54.90/enquiry Site Visit:
- Standard Hours: £95.50/hour first hour, £63.70 thereafter. Abortive visit £79.80
- Out of Standard Hours: £127.90/hour first hour, £85.10 thereafter. Abortive visit £106.50 Water Connection Inspection: Permanent Disconnection: - Standard Hours: £95.50/hour first hour, £63.70 thereafter. Abortive visit £79.80
- Out of Standard Hours: £127.90/hour first hour, £85.10 thereafter. Abortive visit £106.50 - Inspection Charge: £58.20 Meter Testing:
- Meter testing fee plus any additional costs incurred
Septic Tank - Household: - Scheduled: £168.20 - Unscheduled: £244.40
- Urgent Response: £357.71 or actual cost
Septic Tank - Business: - Scheduled: £243.80 - Unscheduled: £313.70 - Urgent Response: £421.50 or actual cost Northern Ireland Water Site Visit:
- £140/visit payable in advance. Abortive visit £57
Removal and testing of water meters: - 15mm: £85 - 20mm: £85 - 25mm: £95 - 30mm: £95 - 40mm: £105 - 50mm: £115 - 80mm: £125 - 100mm: £181 - 150mm: £201 - 200mm: £945 - 250mm: £1,005
Tankered Waste Disposal Charges (Domestic):
- Range in costs of service £60 - £152, aborted visits £26
- Charge for reception and treatment of waste: £9.80/m³
8 - 300mm: £1,005
Dublin City Meter Fitting: €704
Disconnection/Reconnection Charge of meter on supply: €326 Removal of Supply: €2132
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co
Disconnection / Reconnection / Flow Restriction Fee (non-payment of charges): €590 Disconnection / Reconnection Fee (change of tenant / owner): €95
Fees for Disconnection /
Restoration / Flow Restriction are based on a normal procedure not involving any excavation. Any costs associated with excavation and reinstatement will be charged separately, if required.
Fingal Co Disconnection/Reconnection Fee:
- Permanent: €1300 (minimum) - Temporary: €300 (minimum) Water Pressure and Flow Tests: €250/test
Longford Co Reconnection Charge: €250 Offaly Co Reconnection Charge: €500
9 Cavan Co Disconnection Charges:
- Closing stop valve: €55 - Removing Connection: €880 Reconnection Charges: - Opening Stop valve: €55 - Renew connection <25mm: €840 - Renew connection 25mm to 75mm: €880 - Renew connection >75mm: €1100
Special Read Charges: €55/read
Galway Co Reconnection Fee: €500
Roscommon Co Water meter check - customer request: €78
Site Visit: €78
Elective Re-siting of meter: €400 Water/Wastewater Reconnection Charge: €250 Water/Wastewater Disconnection Charge: €500 Late Payment - up to €1000: €40 Late Payment - >€1000 <€10,000: €70 Late Payment - >€10,000: €100
Wexford Co Water Disconnection Charge: €300
Well Grants - Water Analysis Testing
- First Sample: €145
- Second and subsequent sample: €95
Drinking Water Sample & Analysis:
- First Sample: €145
- Second and subsequent sample: €95
- Audit Sample: €400 Treatment and Disposal of Sewerage Sludge: €1675/tonne
