TasWater prices will rise by 3.5 per cent from July 1, an increase of 12.6 cents per day on the average residential customer’s bill.
This will be the third consecutive year where price increases have been kept at 3.5 percent, following two years where increases were frozen at zero per cent.
The independently assessed fouryear price and service plan continues to provide Tasmanians with certainty on their water and sewerage bill increases until 2026.
TasWater Customer and Community general manager Matt Balfe said while price certainty allowed customers to prepare for the modest increase, supporting customers experiencing financial hardship was important.
“The 3.5 per cent increase is well below inflation, seeing an average household’s water and sewerage bill increase by about eighty-eight cents per week,” Mr Balfe said.
“We know many Tasmanians are doing it tough right now, so it’s more important than ever that we keep downward pressure on bills.
“For those who need support, we’re here to help through TasWater Assist. It’s as simple as calling 136 992, getting in touch via webchat, filling out a simple form online… We know that it can be a confronting call to make … but our team are ready to help.”
TasWater is facing rising costs associated with its operations. TasWater is responsible for maintaining and upgrading 169 treatment plants, 952 water and sewerage pump stations, 289 water reservoirs and over 11,500 km of pipeline.
“We’re investing $1.9 billion across our assets over the next five years to ensure we can continue to deliver exceptional water and sewerage services for a thriving Tasmania,” said Mr Balfe.
“We have some big challenges to face to ensure the security of safe, reliable water for generations to come.”
Mr Balfe said that while price increases for the next two years are already locked in, now was the time for the community to have their say on the organisation’s next price and services plan.
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