Under the proposed plan, South Gippsland Water’s typical annual water and sewerage bills for customers will increase by two per cent per year for two years over 2023-25, then three per cent per year for the remaining three years to 30 June 2028, before inflation.
This means the average annual bill for households will rise from around $1,154 in 2022–23 to $1,177 in 2023–24, and continue to increase each year to around $1,312 in 2027–28, before inflation.
The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden says South Gippsland Water has committed to a range of measures in its pricing proposal to support customers, including a new financial hardship co-payment scheme to help re-engage with customers with outstanding payments, and extending help to non-residential customers.
“Under South Gippsland Water’s proposal, customers will see increases above inflation in their water prices over the next five years, and so we are pleased the business has committed to increasing its financial hardship support.
“We encourage customers to contact South Gippsland Water if they are experiencing difficulty paying bills, to discuss what assistance or arrangements can be made,” Mr Crudden said.
Under the proposal, the price increases would fund investments to support ongoing safe and reliable supplies for its customers.
South Gippsland Water has committed to several key outcomes, reflecting customer priorities over the five-year pricing period. These include continuing to provide reliable and safe drinking water and sewerage services; service communities in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner; and strive to balance affordability, value-for-money, and fairness.
The commission invites customers and stakeholders to have their say on the draft decision. A public forum will be held on 28 April 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 Gippsland Water’s 2023–28 pricing proposal,” Mr Crudden said.
The commission’s final decision on the South Gippsland Water pricing proposal is due in June 2023.
