How do March and April bill adjustments affect May charges?

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May Water Bills Include Adjustments from March and April Due to MCO Meter Reading Disruptions

The May 2020 water bill reflects higher charges primarily because it incorporates adjustments for the preceding March and April bills. During the movement control order (MCO) period, water distribution operators were unable to conduct physical meter readings, leading to bills being estimated for March and April. Once actual meter readings were taken in May, these estimations were reconciled, with any discrepancies or undercharges from the previous two months being applied to the May billing cycle.
Estimated Billing During MCO

In March and April, water bills were calculated based on estimated consumption figures rather than actual meter readings. This deviation from standard practice was a direct consequence of the movement control order, which restricted the ability of water operators to access properties for meter inspections. The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) subsequently issued guidelines for calculating bills during this period to ensure that charges remained reasonable despite the inability to obtain precise readings.
Reconciliation in the May Bill

The May water bill serves as a reconciliation point for the estimated charges from March and April. When operators were finally able to perform actual on-site meter readings in May, the collected data was used to recalculate the consumption for the earlier months. Any difference between the estimated amounts previously billed and the actual consumption was then adjusted in the May statement, potentially leading to a higher overall amount due to accumulated charges.
Increased Domestic Consumption

Beyond the billing adjustments, an increase in domestic water usage during the MCO also contributed to higher May bills. With more individuals spending extended periods at home for work and daily activities, overall water consumption by households naturally rose. This heightened usage, when combined with the reconciliation of estimated bills, resulted in a more significant bill for many consumers in May 2020.
Consumer Recourse for Unreasonable Charges

SPAN has stipulated that if water operators did not adhere to the commission's prescribed calculation methods during the MCO, they are required to adjust the billing for affected users. Consumers who believe their charges are unreasonable or require further clarification are advised to first contact their respective water operators. If dissatisfaction persists, they have the option to lodge formal complaints. Any confirmed overcharges are expected to be corrected in subsequent billing cycles.

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How do March and April bill adjustments affect May charges?

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