The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden says, under the proposed plan, South East Water will improve many of its service targets and deliver real price reductions (before inflation) from 1 July 2023.
“Under South East Water’s proposed pricing schedule, typical annual water and sewerage bills for customers will decrease from 1 July this year before inflation,” Mr Crudden said.
Based on the water business’ proposal, typical annual water and sewerage bills for households will fall before inflation from around $967 currently, to $908 in 2023-24 and remain steady to 2027-28.
In its pricing proposal, South East Water has committed to delivering key outcomes for customers, including to be fair and affordable, improve customer experience, support the community, and protect the environment.
“South East Water is lifting its investment to focus on securing service reliability, develop alternative water supplies, and to respond to growth in its area. At the same time, it is delivering bill reductions before inflation, indicating customers will see improved value for money,” Mr Crudden said.
He noted that the business has responded to customer feedback, committing to simplify its charges by combining its residential sewage disposal and residential variable water charges.
The business has also committed to continuing to learn from Traditional Owners in its service region, declaring one of its priorities is to improve its engagement with Traditional Owners in water and land planning and management.
The commission invites customers and stakeholders to have their say on the draft decision. A public forum will be held on 2 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 South East Water’s 2023-28 pricing proposal,” Mr Crudden said.
The commission’s final decision on the South East Water pricing proposal is due in June 2023.
