The Georgian government has submitted amendments to the Law on Water User Organizations, postponing the introduction of new drainage service tariffs from 2027 to 2029.
Under the proposal, the deadline for establishing tariffs covering the removal, transportation, and discharge of excess water through drainage and reclamation networks will be extended by two years. During this period, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture will prepare the necessary legislative framework, while GNERC will continue work on the regulatory mechanisms required to set the tariffs.
The explanatory note states that the delay will affect state budget revenues, as payments associated with the new tariff system will begin only in 2029 instead of 2027. The fees are collected by Georgian Amelioration, with related tax revenues flowing into the state budget.
Currently, Georgian Amelioration provides drainage services to around 1,300 customers, who pay GEL 40 per hectare annually. This tariff will remain in force for an additional two years, meaning users will not face a new tariff structure before 2029.
