General News
5 September, 2022
Community feedback wanted for future water prices and services
Central Highlands Water (CHW) is calling for community feedback on its five-year Price Submission Summary which outlines services and prices for customers from 2023 to 2028, and includes a proposed price increase. CHW has been gathering feedback...
Central Highlands Water (CHW) is calling for community feedback on its five-year Price Submission Summary which outlines services and prices for customers from 2023 to 2028, and includes a proposed price increase.
CHW has been gathering feedback from customers and communities over the past 12 months to help shape the summary, with feedback including that customers want to keep bills affordable, support CHW in investing in the environment and in new infrastructure projects, while also helping vulnerable customers in need of additional support.
“The submission balances affordability with the need for investment in sewer services for future generations, water security upgrades in response to climate change, customer focused digital technologies, and infrastructure to support community growth across the region,” CHW managing director Jeff Haydon said.
“We’re planning a record $256 million investment over the next five years, up from the $149 million during the current capital program.
“We have listened to our community and, based on their feedback, we have developed three key themes, which include customer care, equity and sustainability to meet our customers’ needs.
“We will continue to improve our support to all our customers, particularly those in need, by doubling to $2.5 million over the five-year period for our vulnerable customers.
“We will ensure that services are developed and shared by working closely with our partners, including Traditional Owners. We will also be focusing on the environment with 100 percent of our electricity coming from renewable energy by 2025.”
The current average annual household water and wastewater charge is $1234, or $3.38 per day for drinking water along with the removal and treatment of all wastewater, including the bathroom, toilet, laundry and kitchen.
The proposed pricing pathway by CHW is Consumer Price Index increase only (the cost of inflation) for the first year (2023-2024), followed by CPI plus one percent per annum for the following four years from 2024-2028 — this means price increases averaging less than one percent per annum over the five-year period.
The Price Submission Summary is now available to review and customers can provide feedback until September 16 at www.chw.net.au/letstalkwater
Subject to the final determination by the Essential Services Commission, CHW’s new services and prices willcome into effect from July 1, 2023.