This means typical annual water and sewerage bills for residential owner occupier customers will increase 7.5 per cent – from $1,238 to $1,331 – from 1 July 2023.
For the remaining four years to 2028, typical annual water and sewerage prices for residential customers will increase by an average of 0.5 per cent per year, before inflation.
The final decision follows a detailed proposal by East Gippsland Water which was carefully scrutinised by the commission, and consultation with customers and the community on a draft decision released in March.
The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden says East Gippsland Water has initiatives in place to support customers experiencing vulnerability.
“We encourage customers to contact East Gippsland Water if they are experiencing difficulty paying bills, to discuss what assistance or arrangements can be made,” Mr Crudden said.
In Victoria, water businesses must provide payment assistance to households and small businesses. Customers who are experiencing difficulty with their water bills may be eligible for payment plans or assistance with applications for utility relief grants and other concessions.
In approving the plan, the commission considered East Gippsland Water’s price submission, and its responses to queries and the draft decision; consultants’ reports; written submissions from interested parties; and the views of participants in the public forum held on 1 May.
East Gippsland Water has committed to a number of key outcomes over the five-year pricing period, reflecting customer priorities: reliable services, done well; fair prices for all; improved environmental outcomes; prepare for population growth and a changing climate; and contributing to community.
“East Gippsland Water plans to invest $120 million in capital works including additional water storage to adapt to a changing climate, upgrading wastewater networks and treatment plants to cope with more intense rain events. It will continue taking action to achieve net zero emissions by 2035,” Mr Crudden said.
The Essential Services Commission thanks customers and stakeholders for their submissions and participation in the price review process, including with East Gippsland Water as it prepared its proposal.
