The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden says, under the proposed plan, prices will decrease each year in real terms (before inflation) from 1 July 2023.
“Under Barwon Water’s proposed pricing schedule, typical annual water and sewerage bills for customers will decrease by around 6.8 per cent over the period from 2022-23 to 2027-28, before inflation,” Mr Crudden said.
Based on the water business’ proposal, typical annual water and sewerage bills for households will fall before inflation from around $1,076 in 2022-23 to $1,061 in 2023-24, and will continue to decrease by approximately $15 each year to $1,003 in 2027-28.
Mr Crudden says Barwon Water has committed to four key outcomes that reflect customer priorities over the five-year pricing period: safe, secure, sustainable water; innovative, reliable services; a healthier environment; trust, affordability and value.
“As well as investing in critical infrastructure to support high quality and reliable services across the region including water security, Barwon Water will invest to increase the resilience of its infrastructure to deal with challenges including climate change and population growth.
"The business will also increase direct financial support for customers struggling with their circumstances, including customers experiencing vulnerability and customers affected by family violence,” Mr Crudden said.
Building on its engagement with customers and stakeholders, Barwon Water will take a caring-for-country approach to its land and waterways in partnership with Traditional Owners, other agencies and community members and continue its support for Traditional Owner self-determination.
The commission invites customers and stakeholders to have their say on the draft decision. A public forum will be held on 28 April 2023; details will be published on the Engage Victoria website. Written comments and submissions can also be lodged on the Engage Victoria website until 9 May 2023.
“The Essential Services Commission thanks customers and stakeholders for their submissions and participation to date. We value and encourage feedback on this next stage to help inform our final decision on Barwon Water’s 2023-28 pricing proposal,” Mr Crudden said.
The commission’s final decision on the Barwon Water pricing proposal is due in June 2023.
