Westernport Water working to keep prices down for water and wastewater services
Westernport Water continues to do everything possible to ensure our services are affordable for customers, including an extensive hardship program, but unfortunately we will have to increase our water and wastewater charges in 2022-23.
The rate of inflation is affecting the cost of delivering essential water and wastewater services for Victorian consumers and Westernport Water is experiencing higher costs for the essential materials and supplies that are required to treat our water and wastewater.
An inflation rate of 5.1% for the 12 months to the March 2022 quarter has been confirmed by the Essential Services Commission, the Victorian water sector price regulator.
As a result, Westernport Water’s water and wastewater charges will increase in 2022-23 by 4.2%. After we were able to reduce customer prices in 2021-22.
Quotes attributable to Managing Director, Dona Tantirimudalige
“The increase is because of CPI, otherwise known as inflation, it’s not a price movement that Westernport Water is driving.”
“We have done a lot over the past couple of years to keep prices down. We also have a range of support measures for customers facing financial difficulty, and we want customers to know there is support available to access if they need it.”
“Westernport Water is currently developing its price proposal from 2023-24 to 2028-29 and we have affordability front of mind after extensive consultation with our customers.”
ENDS
Media enquiries to Manager Communications and Engagement on 1300 720 711 or email | communications@westernportwater.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this price increase planned by Westernport Water?
No. In accordance with our price determination from the Essential Services Commission, Westernport Water has a 0% price movement planned for 2022-23 (fourth consecutive year). However, this excludes the impacts of inflation and the cost of debt.
What happened to prices in the current year?
Westernport Water had a 0% price movement planned for the current year. However, low inflation and interest rates meant that prices actually fell in 2021-22.