Goulburn-Murray Water’s unmetered customers have received some good news from the Essential Services Commission’s scrutiny of proposed new water charges.
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The prices for the next four years have come down after the commission decided the charges proposed by G-MW were not considered cost reflective.
The final decision reduced the unmetered service point fees by 12 per cent for 2024-25, or around $18, with only adjustments for inflation in the following three years.
The commission said for most G-MW customers, price increases would be broadly in line with inflation, although outcomes would differ by service and region.
Loddon Valley district prices may actually decrease slightly over four years.
In its pricing proposal, G-MW set out a comprehensive plan to deliver tangible benefits for customers, proposing lower prices for key services including gravity irrigation, with an extensive engagement program informing the services to be delivered.
Price monitoring and regulation executive director Marcus Crudden said G-MW’s price submission demonstrated improved customer value.
“Goulburn-Murray Water engaged well with its customers and community and provided a pricing plan which focused on efficiencies and minimising costs,” Mr Crudden said.
“The business has committed to delivering better outcomes through investments in assets underpinning service reliability, improved data security and management, and the continued simplification of some key tariffs.
“Goulburn-Murray Water will also reduce its environmental footprint and continue to work to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.”
The final decision took into account G-MW’s response to the commission’s draft decision and 10 further public submissions received through the commission’s public consultation process on the Engage Victoria website and via a public forum.
The final pricing was adjusted for changes in financing costs and long-term inflation.