Water and heating prices to increase in Prague next year

Residents of Prague will experience an increase in water and central heating costs in the coming year. Water prices are expected to rise by approximately twenty crowns per cubic meter, while heating costs are anticipated to see a six percent increase.

But the news isn't all bad. Electricity prices are projected to remain stable, with even a slight decrease likely, and there is no expected change in gas prices. The cost of public transportation tickets is also set to remain unchanged over the upcoming year.

For water and sewage fees, Prague residents will pay CZK 144.88 crowns per cubic meter in 2024, reflecting a thirteen percent year-on-year increase from the current rate of 128.18 crowns per cubic meter.

Prague water company PVS is responsible for the city's water infrastructure, managing it with Prague Waterworks and Sewerage (PVK) until 2028. PVS is expected to collect approximately CZK 3.55 billion crowns in rent next year, an increase of around CZK 584 million compared to the previous year.

Starting in January, Prague's central heating company Pražská teplárenská (PT) will raise heating prices for households by six percent, citing rising costs for heat distribution. PT also noted that value-added tax (VAT) on heating will increase to 12 percent from the New Year, a two percent rise from the current rate.

PT explained that the increase in heating prices is influenced by fuel and emission permit costs, as well as rising operational and maintenance expenses, high inflation rates, and the current uptick in regulated energy prices. Other heating companies in the Czech Republic are also likely to increase prices.

Prague energy company PRE will keep their price of industrial electricity, determined by individual suppliers, unchanged from January. Company spokesperson Karel Hanzelka told Czech News Agency that they had reduced prices by 20 percent since September and would maintain these rates into the new year.

However, changes in the regulated component of electricity prices, mandated by the Energy Regulatory Office, can affect overall electricity prices.

Regarding gas supply, Prague gas company Pražská plynárenská (PP) has no plans to increase their prices. On the contrary, they do not rule out a further reduction in 2024, confirmed spokesperson Miroslav Vránek.

The price of monthly public transportation passes in Prague will also remain stable, according to Deputy Mayor Zdeněk Hřib. However, discussions about a potential change in parking fees are on the horizon, linked to an upcoming systematic change in paid parking zones.