2 July 2021
Goulburn Valley Water customers will continue to benefit from low water costs, as prices fall for the fourth year in a row.
Customers can expect to save about $22 annually on a typical residential bill, with new water and wastewater prices in effect from 1 July.
Bill prices for an average residential household will be about $874 annually in 2021-22, compared to $896 in 2020-21 - among the lowest water bill costs in the state.
Managing Director Steve Capewell said GVW aimed to strike a balance between affordability and ensuring safe and reliable water and wastewater services.
“We’ve heard feedback from customers that they want us to keep water costs as low as possible, so we have mapped out a plan that will help us deliver on that promise,” Dr Capewell said.
“At the same time, our plan will see us investing in our business to keep delivering the excellent services and outcomes our customers have come to expect from Goulburn Valley Water, while also supporting initiatives to help our regions prosper and improve liveability for our communities.”
A key commitment of GVW’s current pricing plan sees bill costs reduce on average by two per cent each year until the plan ends in 2023.
Dr Capewell said for many, the past 18 months had been financially tough as a result of the ongoing economic effects of the pandemic.
“We hope continuing to keep water prices low will provide some relief for our customers, and I encourage people to contact us if they are experiencing any financial pressure, as there are a number of ways we can assist,” he said.
“During the past year, we have continued to increase our customer outreach and support programs to help, which can be tailored to suit individual circumstances.”
Goulburn Valley Water will also not be charging interest on overdue accounts until further notice as a result of the pandemic.
Water and sewerage prices reflect the costs associated with sustaining and upgrading Goulburn Valley Water’s critical water and sewerage assets, comprising the network of dams, water and sewerage treatment plants, reservoirs, pumping stations, mains and more.
Goulburn Valley Water’s prices are set every five years as part of the regular pricing submission process, and reviewed and approved by the Essential Services Commission, Victoria’s independent essential services regulator.
People are being urged to have their say about prices and services as part of community engagement currently underway for its draft 2023-28 pricing submission – more information is available on GVW’s website or social media channels
A full list of prices for the 2021-22 financial year can be found at GVW’s website.