Water bills to fall in new financial year

Gippsland Water’s urban customers will see a slight bill reduction in the new financial year, with service level remaining unchanged.

Managing director Sarah Cumming said lower CPI and interest rates, combined with reduced internal costs had led to a favourable result for customers.

“We’re conscious that many people in our communities will be experiencing financial difficulties at the moment, for a variety of reasons.

“As a local community partner, we wanted to make sure we’re doing all we can to reduce pressure on families and households across the region.

“That’s why we’ve worked hard to find cost savings and avoided an overall increase in the average bill for the next 12 months,” Ms Cumming said.

Fixed annual water service availability charges will decrease from $175.85 to $172.72 and wastewater service charge will fall from $807.97 per year for a connected property to $793.52.

Meanwhile, water usage charges will increase slightly from $2.1198 to $2.1434 per kiloliter, resulting in an overall reduction on the average bill.

Ms Cumming said support options were also available to customers experiencing financial hardship.

“Our Customer Care team can help customers access concessions, organise payment plans and apply for government grants.”

“You can access this support either online at www.gippswater.com.au, or over the phone on 1800 050 500,” Ms Cumming said.

Gippsland Water is currently seeking customer input to help shape its next Price Submission, which will set out its standards for service over a five-year period, as well as the cost of delivering those services and the prices it will charge customers.

Visit www.gippswater.com.au/LetsTalk to get involved in this process, or to find out more.