Slow rise for water bills

New pricing plan aims to keep increases below inflation rate

HOUSEHOLD water bill increases will remain under inflation over the next two years, before Barwon Water further hikes up prices from mid-2019.

The average residential bill will increase by just $3.80 per quarter over this financial year, as Barwon Water maintains its price rises under the histori- cally-low inflation rate.

The same rate — which reduces prices by 1.6 per cent annually (excluding inflation) — will continue for a sixth straight year into 2018-19.

More substantial surges will be seen from July 2019, with average homeowners to see bill increases capped at 0.9 per cent each year plus inflation through to 2023.

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said the new pricing plan also shifted the charges to encourage customers to use less water.

“Customers told us they want even greater control of their bills,” Ms Slatter said.

“Fixed service charges will form a smaller portion of overall bills, while the water volume portion will increase.

“This means, even more than ever, customers can influ- ence their total bill by using less water.”

The Geelong region’s water authority has released its pricing plans for public comment, before it submits the proposal to the Essential Services Commission for approval.

Non-residential customer bills will remain steady over the five years to 2023. Ms Slatter said key investments over that period included: $47 MILLION to repair and replace ageing infrastructure; $14 MILLION for new and upgraded infrastructure in regional growth areas; $25 MILLION in renewable energy projects; and AN ADDITIONAL $500,000 annually on programs to support vulnerable customers.

“We know our customers want high quality services at affordable prices and are fully committed to keeping prices stable, fair and low,” Ms Slatter said.

“Some increases are necessary to fund infrastructure projects and other initiatives to ensure we continue to provide high quality, reliable water and sewerage services.”

Australia’s inflation rate is hovering around 2 per cent. Consultation on the proposed prices is open until July 23.