New water prices approved

THE Essential Services Commission has made its final decision on Central Highlands Water’s five-year pricing plan, with typical water bills expected to increase by sixty-seven dollars a year.

Annual bills are set to increase by 5.4 per cent from 1 July and from 2024 to 2028 they will increase another 0.6 per cent each year before inflation.

Director of the Essential Services Commission, Marcus Crudden, said he’s confident Central Highlands Water has initiatives in place to help vulnerable customers affected by the rate rises.

“We encourage customers to contact Central Highlands Water if they are experiencing difficulty paying bills, to discuss what assistance or arrangements can be made,” he said.

The plan was approved following consideration of Central Highlands Water’s price submission to the Commission including community and customer input.

“Central Highlands Water responded to our draft decision and requests for additional information, which allowed us to reach a decision on this matter,” Mr Crudden said.

Managing Director of Central Highlands Water, Jeff Haydon, welcomed the increase.

“The ESC’s final decision focuses on affordable and reliable water and wastewater services,” he said.

“It also takes into consideration the need for us to invest $251 million in major projects like wastewater services for future generations, water security upgrades in response to climate change, customer focused digital technologies, and infrastructure to support new development areas for a rapidly growing region.”

A statement from CHW said the utility will double its support services for vulnerable customers to $2.5 million over five years.