Barwon Water balances costs with inflation

BARWON Water says it continues to deliver major upgrades, customer support and sustainable water initiatives, and its price rises will remain lower than the cost of inflation.

Owner occupiers will see their quarterly residential water bills rise by an average of $7.56, while quarterly bills for renters will increase by an average of $5.19.

Business customers will also see an increase of $4.03 per month.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the increase was below inflation, with their water, sewage and recycled water prices increasing by 2.7 per cent, 0.9 per cent below the inflation rate.

“By focusing on innovation and efficiency, we aim to shield our customers from the full impact of inflation.

“Barwon Water’s prices remain among the lowest in Australia for similar sized water corporations.”

Support for those struggling with their bills is available, including individualised payment plans, extensions and home plumbing assessments to help customers identify water efficiencies in their home.

“Financial difficulties can affect anybody, and we urge our customers to reach out for assistance rather than dealing with the stress on their own,” Mr Cumming said.

“Our empathetic support team is here to assist and have a respectful, completely confidential conversation about our wide range of customer support options.”

All Victorian water corporations are required to develop and submit price submissions which outline the prices customers pay for water and sewage, service standards and operational investments over a defined period.

The submissions are reviewed and determined by the Essential Services Commission, regulating providers of essential services, including water, ensuring prices are fair and reasonable.

Barwon Water’s 2023 to 2028 price submission was approved last year and is an outcome of extensive community engagement.

For more information, head to barwonwater.vic.gov.au