The decision, made during the September ordinary session, follows an analysis of the submitted proposals based on established technical and economic criteria. The new concession aims to modernize the network, incorporate innovation, and enhance supply quality in municipalities such as Cervelló, Corbera de Llobregat, Molins de Rei, la Palma de Cervelló, Ripollet, Sant Andreu de la Barca, Sant Cugat del Vallès, and Tiana.
This tender responds to the ruling by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) in October 2020, which recognizes the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) as the competent authority to determine the management model for the water cycle service. The new model seeks to improve efficiency, guarantee the provision of this essential service, accelerate infrastructure investments, and enhance security.
The concession, with a 25-year duration, allows for the grouping of service provision across the eight municipalities while maintaining differentiated investment plans and tariffs for each. SGAB achieved the highest overall score, with 49 points in technical criteria and 24 points in economic criteria, including aspects like financial offers and the implementation of sustainable technologies.
Three bids initially considered to have abnormally low values were admitted after submitting valid justifications, demonstrating economic efficiency derived from economies of scale in joint management. The AMB calls for the sector operators' responsibility to preserve the process's continuity and the general interest, avoiding blockages that could delay network modernization.
In the next phase, the AMB will request the necessary documentation from SGAB to prove its technical and economic solvency. Once verified and if it meets the established requirements, the proposal for the final contract award will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council.
