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Gippsland Water customers to have lower bills and better value for 2023-28

Gippsland Water customers can expect better value services and lower bills over the next five years, according to the water corporation's latest price submission to the Essential Services Commission.

By news@gippsland - 6th October 2022 - Back to News

The submission, which outlines Gippsland Water's service standards, investments and charges for 2023-28 was shaped by customer input over the last two years. Managing director Sarah Cumming said it delivers on the values most important to the community, with a strong focus on affordability and fairness. "First and foremost, our customers expect us to be affordable and fair. They want lower bills and a fairer tariff structure - and that's what we've delivered," Ms Cumming said.

Gippsland Water customers can expect better value services and lower bills over the next five years, according to the latest price submission to the Essential Services Commission

Year-on-year bill reductions

The plan includes year-on-year bill reductions (before inflation) made possible by savings, additional revenue from major customers and development activities, and fees and charges redesigned to reflect a user pays approach.

"The average urban residential customer will see a price decrease of $91.30 across the regulatory period (before inflation) while small businesses will save around $137.40 on average, with the majority of the savings applied in year one," Ms Cumming said.

Insights also revealed that customers want Gippsland Water to ensure it plans for the future, is environmentally responsible and more involved in the community; while also doing their job well and being easy to deal with.

Initiative inclusion

Initiatives planned include:

• $268 million for infrastructure investment to meet higher demand and higher service levels
• $10 million for energy projects to increase system resilience, boost renewable energy generation and reduce long-term energy costs
• $100k per year for increased community support, including more public drinking fountains
• An app to provide greater flexibility in managing bill payments and the ability to monitor water usage
• Faster response to sewer blockages
• Annual education and awareness campaigns that focus on water conservation, sustainability, wellbeing and customer support
• More customer care resources, employing and upskilling more staff to reach out early and provide tailored support for those doing it tough
• Increased investment in Aboriginal employment and cultural recognition initiatives
• SMS notifications for unplanned service interruptions and a live outage tracker

Gippsland Water is funded by its customers and the water and sewage services it provides are not designed to make a profit.

Price submission

Ms Cumming said the organisation has a responsibility to deliver its services in line with customer priorities and that the community can expect to have an ongoing influence on its services.

"We learnt so much from our customers through our engagement and we are committed to nurturing this relationship to ensure the community has a say on the issues that are important to them."

Gippsland Water's price submission is part of a formal review process of pricing undertaken every five years by the Essential Services Commission (ESC). The ESC's review includes a consultation, which is open until 1 December 2022. For more information and to view Gippsland Water's 2023-28 price submission, visit Price Submission 2023-28 page.

Pictures from Gippsland Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com