Flow-on effects

Water prices stay on hold

WATER prices across the Geelong region are not set to increase next financial year, after draft figures issued by the central governing body were revealed.

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) released draft decisions for 10 of the state’s water boards including Barwon Water, with costs set to remain the same as the current financial year.

The average water consumption by households in the Barwon region was $1006 in 2016-17, with that figure unchanged in 2017-18.

Several water boards will pass on a slight price decrease to households in their catchment area including Central Highlands, Goulburn Valley and Wannon Water.

ESC chairman Ron BenDavid said greater economic efficiencies enacted by water boards were having a flow-on effect at the retail level.

“Under these pricing plans, water bills will fall slightly or rise in line with the cost of living,” Dr Ben-David said. “It’s fantastic to see what the state’s water businesses can deliver when they focus on customers and value for money.”

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said the authority’s price submission was heavily influenced by community feedback.

“We agree with the ESC’s assessment that we need to continue to work hard on efficiencies, which is why we have set ourselves a target to achieve $19 million of cost savings and operating efficiencies over the next five years,” Ms Slatter said.

Barwon Water is undertaking measures to improve its services over the coming years, including an increase in support for financially vulnerable customers and more timely notice of water supply interruptions via text messaging.

Customers can make a submission by going to the ESC website until late next month, with decisions due in June.