Input sought on water pricing

THE Essential Services Commission has asked for public consultation before making a final decision on Coliban Water’s proposed five-year pricing plan.

The plan put forward by the utility company would see a cost increase of 1.9 percent each financial year in 2023-24 and 2024-25 then a further increase of 2.5 percent each year until 30 June 2028.

Under the proposal, the average yearly household bill would rise from $1367 to $1393 in 2024, before reaching about $1529 by 2028, not taking into account inflation.

ESC’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden said the regulator had not approved Coliban Water’s proposal.

“Our draft decision finds that Coliban Water has not sufficiently made the case to justify its proposed increases to new customer contributions,” he said.

Rather, the ESC is looking for public input on the proposal through written comments and submissions via the Engage Victoria website until Tuesday, 9 May.

A public forum has also been announced for Monday, 1 May with more details to come regarding time and venue.

Mr Crudden is hoping for as much public feedback as possible in the lead-up to the ESC determination.

“We value and encourage feedback on this next stage to help inform our final decision on Coliban Water’s 2023-28 pricing proposal,” he said.

Coliban Water’s proposal includes elements to boost infrastructure spending to help upgrade ageing assets at water reclamation and treatment plants, as well as provide money to meet environmental and health obligations and improve customer service.

The utility has also said it plans to double funding to support customers experiencing financial hardship under the impacts the proposed price increases could cause.

The final decision by the ESC on the pricing proposal is due sometime in June this year.