WANNON Water has released a draft summary of its 2023-28 price submission, which has been developed following an extensive community engagement program over the past four years, claiming it would rather increase debt rather than pass all costs onto customer bills.

Prices for essential water and sewerage services in Victoria must be approved by independent regulator, the Essential Services Commission (ESC).

Wannon Water is now seeking feedback from customers and stakeholders on the draft plan before its Board makes a final decision and submits it to the ESC at the end of September.

Managing director, Andrew Jeffers said Wannon Water was a cost-recovery business, so balancing growing expectations in an environment of increasing costs required a constant focus to keep bills affordable.

“Over the past 10 years, our bills for owners and renters have increased by less than CPI,” he said.

“We have worked hard to keep prices as low as possible, however this is not financially sustainable and small price increases, together with increased borrowings, are planned to ensure reliable, accessible and environmentally responsible services.

“We plan to increase our total debt to offset bill impacts, meaning an increase in bills of less than one per cent plus CPI per year for owners and two per cent plus CPI per year for renters.

“This means the bill for an average residential customer will increase by $10 or less a year, and the typical renter’s bill will rise by less than $5 a year.

“We’ve worked with our customers and community to develop a price submission that delivers the outcomes they value, while fulfilling our obligations and addressing the challenges that face our region.

“We’ll report on our performance each year so customers know that we are transparent and accountable. We’ll also be establishing a forum of people representing our diverse customer groups to meet at least once a year to check in, respond to new or unexpected issues, and prepare for our following price submission.”

Mr Jeffers said Wannon Water would maintain its Guaranteed Service Levels for water and sewerage services.

“This means that impacted households will receive up to $500 if we fail to live up to the service levels set out in our submission,” he said.

The draft price submission summary is open for feedback until September 4.

Further information is available at wannonwater.com.au