Independent water regulator releases final decision on Goulburn-Murray Water pricing

In its final decision on Goulburn-Murray Water’s prices for water services, the Essential Services Commission has approved new prices for customers over the 4-year period commencing 1 July 2024. 

Prices will change broadly in line with inflation, including for gravity irrigation, although outcomes differ by service and region. 

The pricing decision affects customers receiving rural water services in Goulburn-Murray Water’s service area in northern Victoria. 

In its pricing proposal, Goulburn-Murray Water set out a comprehensive plan to deliver tangible benefits for customers, proposing lower prices for key services including gravity irrigation, with an extensive engagement program informing the services to be delivered. 

Executive Director of Price Monitoring and Regulation Marcus Crudden said Goulburn-Murray Water’s price submission demonstrated improved customer value.

“Goulburn-Murray Water engaged well with its customers and community and provided a pricing plan which focused on efficiencies and minimising costs. 

"The business has committed to delivering better outcomes through investments in assets underpinning service reliability, improved data security and management, and the continued simplification of some key tariffs. Goulburn-Murray Water will also reduce its environmental footprint and continue to work to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035,” Mr Crudden said.

While accepting most of its proposals, the commission did not accept Goulburn-Murray Water’s proposed service point fees for unmetered customers as they are considered not cost reflective. The final decision has instead reduced the proposed unmetered service point fees by 12 per cent in 2024-25 or around $18 (including inflation) and allows this to be adjusted each year only by inflation over the regulatory period.

The final decision took into account Goulburn-Murray Water’s response to the commission’s draft decision and 10 further public submissions received through the commission’s public consultation process on the Engage Victoria website and via a public forum. The final pricing was adjusted for changes in financing costs and long term inflation.