Ohrid raises water price by 3 denars per cubic metre; households face higher winter costs

Municipal councillors in Ohrid approved a new three‑year water tariff that raises the price of potable water by 3 denars per cubic metre, part of a package that will lift local water prices by 16% by 2029 and by 20% for businesses.

The council vote means a typical household that uses between 10 and 15 cubic metres will see its water bill increase by roughly 40 denars starting January 1. Opposition representatives reacted strongly, calling the decision another blow to household budgets at the start of winter, when other bills are also rising sharply.

Officials at Vodovod say the rise is unavoidable and in line with the Energy Regulatory Commission’s tariff framework.

Energy prices adding pressure

The local hike comes as national energy prices are also under review. ESM is calculating new generation costs and must deliver an analysis to the Government by mid‑November on the price at which it would sell electricity to EVN Home from January; the current wholesale price stands at 65 euros per megawatt‑hour.

Meanwhile MEPSO has requested an increase in the transmission tariff of more than 98%, although the Energy Regulatory Commission stresses that such a request does not automatically translate into the same percentage rise in household bills. The commission is examining calculations submitted by other energy companies; the final impact on consumers will depend on government decisions and the final network costs.

Households are already recording higher consumption — up to 23% more than last year in some cases — which raises concern among residents ahead of the heating season and compounds pressure on family finances.

Photo: press material from the event