While some irrigation areas will see relatively modest price increases, under Southern Rural Water’s proposed plan, prices for the majority of customers will move in line with inflation between 2023 and 2028.
The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden says Southern Rural Water has committed to progress key projects to support ongoing service improvements for irrigators.
“As part of its proposal, Southern Rural Water will continue to modernise assets in the Macalister and Werribee irrigation districts, building on past investments and further supporting the reliability of its services,” Mr Crudden said.
Southern Rural Water has committed to a number of key outcomes, reflecting customer priorities over the five-year pricing period: continue to provide reliable irrigation services; enhance customer experience and support; offer a fair and reasonable price; develop regional prosperity.
“We consider that Southern Rural Water undertook a strong engagement program to help ensure its service priorities took into account the views of its customers,” 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 values and encourages feedback on this next stage to help inform our final decision on Southern Rural Water’s 2023-28 pricing proposal,” Mr Crudden said.
The commission’s final decision on the Southern Rural Water pricing proposal is due in June 2023.
