“East Gippsland Water will invest in critical infrastructure to support high quality and reliable services across the region, and also to increase the resilience of its infrastructure to deal with challenges including climate change,” Mr Crudden said.
Among its key initiatives, East Gippsland Water will invest in additional water storage, and will upgrade wastewater networks and treatment plants to cope with more intense rain events.
Mr Crudden noted that the commission has asked East Gippsland Water to provide more information to inform its final decision due out by June.
“We have asked East Gippsland Water to provide more information to us in response to our draft decision, including on its forecast efficiency improvement rates and operating costs,” he said.
East Gippsland Water will increase funding for customer hardship support by $100,000 each year, to $250,000 each year.
“It’s important water businesses invest in initiatives to better support customers experiencing payment difficulties. We encourage all customers to contact their water business if they are experiencing financial hardship, to discuss what assistance or arrangements can be made,” Mr Crudden said.
The commission invites customers and stakeholders to have their say on the draft decision. A public forum will be held on 1 May 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 East Gippsland Water’s 2023-28 pricing proposal,” Mr Crudden said.
The commission’s final decision on the East Gippsland Water pricing proposal is due in June 2023.
