Pricing for
Users / Consumers
The role of RAAEY is to ensure transparency and fairness in the provision of water services nationwide.
Transparency and Equitable Access
The RAEWW safeguards transparency and equitable access in the delivery of water services for all regions and communities across the country.
Protection from Monopolistic Practices
The RAEWW safeguards consumer interests by ensuring that water service providers comply with the laws and regulatory standards pertaining to fair competition.
An Equitable Nationwide Pricing Framework
The primary aim of the RAEWW is to ensure that a consistent regulatory framework is applied across the entire country, guaranteeing that all consumers have access to fairly priced water services, regardless of their place of residence.
Tariff Setting
Tariff setting is always based on the costing and pricing rules set out in the applicable laws and regulations, although the process and methodology may vary among providers.
Methodology Statement to RAEWW
Each water service provider is required to submit a detailed account of their cost and pricing methodology. The Authority reviews these submissions, issues formal opinions and recommendations, and monitors their proper implementation to ensure compliance with the established framework.
Cost Recovery
Tariff structures must support the adequate recovery of the costs of investment, as well as operational, environmental, and water resource maintenance costs in order to ensure the financial sustainability and long-term resilience of water services.
Tariffs for Socially Vulnerable Groups
All water service providers are required to apply special tariff rates for vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups in order to ensure equitable access to essential water services for every citizen.
Building Trust and Promoting Sustainable Management
These measures are intended to build public confidence in the water supply and sanitation system, as well as to promote long-term sustainable management of water resources.
NATIONAL
LEGISLATION
Overview of key legislative acts governing water resources
Law 5037/2023
(Government Gazette, Series I, No 58/28.3.2023)
‘Renaming of the Authority for Energy to the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAEWW) and expansion of its scope to include competencies over water services and urban waste management — Strengthening of water policy — Modernization of legislation regarding the use and generation of electricity from renewable energy sources through the transposition of EU Directives 2018/2001 and 2019/944 — Specific provisions on renewable energy sources and environmental protection.’
Law 3199/2003 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 280/9.12.2003)
‘Protection and management of water resources — Harmonization with the Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000.’
Presidential Decree 51/2007 (Government Gazette, Series I, No. 54/8.3.2007)
‘Establishment of measures and procedures for the integrated protection and management of water resources, in compliance with the provisions of Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 “establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy.”’
Ministerial Decision D1(d)/GP 27829/2023 (Government Gazette, Series II, No 3525/25.5.2023)
‘Quality of water intended for human consumption – Compliance with the provisions of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 (L435/1, 23.12.2020)’
Law 1069/1980 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 19/23.08.1980)
‘On incentives for the establishment of Water Supply and Sewerage Undertakings.’
Law 4001/2011 (Government Gazette, Series I, No 179/2011)
‘On the operation of electricity and natural gas energy markets, for exploration, production and transmission networks of hydrocarbons, and other provisions.’
Ministerial Decision 5673/400/1997 (Government Gazette, Series II, No 192/14.3.1997)
‘Measures and conditions for the treatment of urban wastewater.’
Ministerial Decision 145116/2011 (Government Gazette, Series II, No 354/8.3.2011)
‘Establishment of measures, conditions, and procedures for the reuse of treated wastewater, and other provisions.’
Joint Ministerial Decision YPEN/GenSecWREM/103755/2994/2024 (Government Gazette, Series II, No 5438/27.09.2024): ‘Establishment of general rules for the costing and pricing of water services and relevant improvement measures. Procedures and methodology for cost recovery of water services across different types of use.’
EUROPEAN
LEGISLATION
Regulation (EU) 2020/741 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 2020
‘On minimum requirements for water reuse’
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000
establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy. (referred to as the EU Water Framework Directive)
Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020
on the quality of water intended for human consumption
New EU Directive on urban wastewater: the final version of the text was signed by the Parliament on 05-11-2024, published as Directive (EU) 2024/3019 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 concerning urban wastewater treatment (recast).
