Georgia’s parliament is fast-tracking legislation that would allow the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) to introduce tiered tariffs for water supply and wastewater services based on household consumption. The proposed changes would also allow consumption-based natural gas tariffs, with the regulator responsible for setting the new rates.
According to the bill’s explanatory note, the measure is intended to protect households’ social interests, including those of vulnerable groups, and preserve access to essential services. The tiered pricing mechanism would apply during a transitional period and is designed to reduce social risks while gradually adjusting tariffs across different consumer categories.
GNERC would retain the authority to distribute water supply and wastewater service costs differently among consumer categories. It could set water tariffs based on household consumption until January 1, 2036, and natural gas tariffs on the same basis until January 1, 2038.
The regulator told BMG that it will determine the new tiered tariffs. Parliament is fast-tracking the bill because GNERC must establish new water and gas tariffs by the end of this year. Under the current system, water tariffs differ between metered and unmetered customers.
