THE Essential Services Commission has confirmed the prices to apply in 2024–25 for Victoria’s water businesses. Typical water bills will generally rise in line with inflation over 2024–25. In the North East, prices are set have a 3.8 per cent increase and rise by around $41. Average bills for owner-occupier households are set to rise, after inflation, by around $50 (four per cent) in regional Victoria and by around $33 (three per cent) in Melbourne. Customers of Barwon Water and Yarra Valley Water will have the lowest bill increases at $30, while Coliban Water customers will have the highest bill increase of $91. The commission has approved rural water prices, with changes of around inflation in 2024–25 for most Southern Rural Water, Lower Murray Water and Goulburn Murray Water customers. Pricing outcomes reflect the commission’s review of 2024–25 tariffs for 16 water businesses under their existing price determinations. The commission’s executive director of price monitoring and regulation Marcus Crudden says water bills vary depending on factors such as water usage, changes in borrowing costs and inflation. “Across the state customers will benefit from increasing investment by water businesses to maintain service quality and reliability, and to address key challenges such as climate change,” he said. “If you are having trouble paying your water bill, contact your water business. "They can offer help through payment plans or assistance with applications for utility relief grants, information on concessions, and tips on how to reduce your water usage.”
