The City of Huy is experiencing a structural problem where expenses are rising faster than revenues. To ensure the continuity of public services and expanded missions, the City has been working for years to compensate for its personnel and operational costs. Through its investments, it also contributes to the socio-economic dynamism of the region. While new industrial activities are emerging and boosting the local economy, they must also financially compensate for some of the generated nuisances.
This Monday, November 9th, the Municipal Council will vote on the adoption of two new tax regulations targeting specific companies.
The first tax concerns the occupation of public underground space by cables, pipelines, conduits, fiber optics, or related equipment for commercial and profit-making purposes. These infrastructures in the public right-of-way significantly impact public tranquility, safety, mobility, and sanitation. The annual rate, effective from January 1st, 2027, is set at €2.50 per meter. The estimated annual revenue is €260,000. Exemptions include the City of Huy, its consolidated entities, municipal utilities, inter-municipal bodies, and gas and electricity network operators.
The second tax targets the creation of industrial battery parks. Large-scale energy infrastructures for industrial electricity storage, intended for profit, may be established within the city and could necessitate battery sites. Such installations can create territorial, landscape, and environmental constraints. The annual rate, effective from January 1st, 2027, is set at €500 per installed megawatt (MW), with a minimum of €2,500.00 per site. The estimated annual revenue is €50,000. Domestic storage equipment is exempt.
