Random survey on water services

A random survey of Gippsland Water customers will continue throughout this month to seek their views on whether they are satisfied with the services they get and their ideas on planning for future water and sewerage needs.

The survey is being undertaken as Victoria’s economic regulator, the Essential Services Commission considers new pricing proposals from the state’s 17 water businesses to take effect from July next year.

ESC chairman Ron Ben-David said it was the first price review under a new approach designed to give customers more say.

The customer satisfaction survey to be conducted by telephone will involve about 400 Gippsland Water customers.

They’ll be asked 20 questions relating to service, prices and their expectations in an interview that will last about 10 minutes.

However, Gippsland Water said other people were welcome at any time to provide feedback via its website.

Spokesman Paul Clark said Gippsland’s four water corporations – Gippsland, South Gippsland, Westernport and East Gippsland – had combined to undertake the survey.

By working together they are saving money and, importantly, be able to compare results, he said.

Mr Clark said the phone interviews were about gathering information and there would be “no sales pitches”.

People should be aware that it is not our survey if they receive calls offering any product or service, such as water filters or other devices, he stated.

Mr Ben-David said the ESC review of pricing proposals was aimed at increasing efficiency across the sector and delivery outcomes that matter to customers.

The new approach offers the water businesses stronger incentives to deliver better value to their customers, he said.

Feedback on the pricing proposals is invited until November 10.

Individual water businesses’ plans can be viewed at www.esc.vic.gov.au/waterpricereview.

Initial public submissions should be sent to water@esc.vic.gov.au