Typical water and sewerage bills will rise from 1 July 2023
Westernport Water remains focused on delivering affordable water and wastewater services for our customers. However, inflationary pressure will increase prices from 1 July 2023.
A combined price increase of 7.3% will apply for the 2023-24 financial year. This is largely driven by a 7% inflation rate (2023 March CPI), affecting the operational and capital costs of delivering water and sewerage services.
Residential homeowners will receive a one-off rebate of $20 in accordance with our unique performance framework that was co-designed with our customers back in 2017. Whilst we performed well in most areas, such as hardship grants and water supply interruptions, we recognise that we fell below our targets in select areas, including water quality complaints and effluent reuse. Further performance details will be provided to customers in our Annual Watermark, which will be released in October 2023.
After receiving the performance-based rebate, a typical residential owner’s annual water and wastewater bill will rise from around $1,227 to $1,297 in 2023-24. For a typical residential tenant, annual bills will rise from around $186 to $206 in 2023-24. The bill paid by each customer will vary depending on water use, prices for fixed and variable charges, and other charges.
Quotes attributable to Managing Director, Dona Tantirimudalige
“I want to assure customers that maintaining affordability, providing excellent customer support, and planning for the future remains a priority for our team. However, it is important to acknowledge prices will generally change in line with inflation each year.”
“By providing a customer rebate, we acknowledge that customers expect a level of performance in the areas that matter most, and we will strive to improve our performance in these areas. Providing consistently great tasting water remains a key focus.”
“In accordance with our price determination from the Essential Services Commission, Westernport Water had a 0.3% price increase planned for 2023-24.”
“Westernport Water’s price proposal for the five years from 2023-28 comes into effect on 1 July 2023 and we have affordability front of mind after extensive consultation with our customers. Excluding the impacts of inflation (as approved by the Essential Services Commission), there are no other price increases planned for the following four years.”
ENDS
Media enquiries to Manager Communications and Engagement on 1300 720 711 or email | communications@westernportwater.com.au