Utilities Kingston makes changes to water and sewer bills

After announcing changes to lower rates and offering new payment plans for electricity, Utilities Kingston is now taking further steps to help customers with their water and sewer bills.

These changes are all aimed at helping customers during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Utilities Kingston said in a press release on Friday, Mar. 27, 2020. Utilities Kingston is now extending the Conservation Rate for water bills, and extending payment arrangements for customers who are experiencing financial hardship.

“First and foremost, before falling behind on utility bill payments, contact us for assistance. We want to work with you to help,” Utilities Kingston said.

Beginning on Friday, Mar. 27, 2020, residential Utilities Kingston customers will be exempt from the High Usage Rate of $1.7451 per cubic metre, which normally applies to water consumption over 25 cubic metres per month. This change means that customers will instead pay the Conservation Rate of $1.3961 per cubic metre, even if they use more than 25 cubic metres per month. According to Utilities Kingston, customers will benefit from a 25 per cent rate reduction for usage above 25 cubic metres.

This price rate will be maintained until Monday, Jun. 15, 2020 when annual watering restrictions come into effect. The price change will be applied automatically, and no customer action is required.

These changes are on top of the changes Utilities Kingston has made for electricity rates during a time when people are home more often and therefore using more electricity and water while self-isolating and social distancing.

Any customers concerned about paying their Utilities Kingston bills are encouraged to call the utility provider to extend payment arrangements for water and sewer bills. The Utilities Kingston credit department can be reached at 613-546-1181, ext. 2278, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.