Regulator seeks feedback on proposal to amend Water Industry Standards

The Essential Services Commission has released a draft decision which proposes to amend the Water Industry Standards. The Water Industry Standards set out the standards and conditions of service and supply that water businesses and their agents must comply with in providing certain regulated services to customers.

There are two key changes proposed in the draft decision:

1. To introduce a new obligation on water businesses to report to the commission in a timely manner when they identify an actual or potential non-compliance in relation to the Water Industry Standards, where they may have a material adverse impact. 
2. To amend the current family violence clause to make it clear that a water business must take action to assist customers affected by family violence.

Executive Director of Pricing and Regulation, Marcus Crudden, says the commission is consulting on its proposed changes. 

“We consider strengthened reporting requirements on water businesses will help to ensure the commission can act in a timely way to promote customer interests.”

“The proposed changes to the family violence provisions in our water industry standards will better enable the commission to monitor and assess water business compliance with protections for customers affected by family violence.”

You can view the proposal to amend the Water Industry Standards on the Essential Services Commission website now. 

The commission is seeking feedback from stakeholders via email to water@esc.vic.gov.au until 5pm on 20 December 2023.

The final decision is expected in early February 2024, with the amendments to take effect from 1 March 2024.