South Gippsland Water prices to rise, but delayed until later this year

Households in parts of Victoria’s south-east will get a temporary reprieve from planned water price rises with South Gippsland Water limiting increases to inflation only till later this year.

The state’s independent pricing regulator has released a final decision approving South Gippsland Water’s proposal to increase water and sewerage prices over the next three years.

The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden said the businesses has sought to recognise the affordability concerns of customers.
“It is pleasing South Gippsland Water has sought to mitigate the impacts of price increases on the community by holding price increases to inflation only until 31 October this year,” he said.

Mr Crudden noted the business has extended support for customers facing financial hardship, offering longer payment extensions and payment plans which have been expanded to include nonresidential customers.

“We expect they will continue to actively identify customers having difficulty paying their bills, and offer tailored assistance,” he said.

The commission has approved price increases of inflation only until 31 October 2020, with a five per cent increase from 1 November. Prices will then increase by a maximum of two per cent in 2021–22 and 2022–23 (before inflation).

The price increase has been driven by new sewer services and costs associated with connection to the Melbourne water supply, which has improved supply security for South Gippsland Water customers.

South Gippsland Water serves an area in Victoria’s south-east stretching from Wonthaggi to Devon North, including Wilsons Promontory.

Pricing decisions for Western Water and Goulburn-Murray Water have also been released.