We have approved the prices that Western Water can charge from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2023.
Western Water price review 2020
- Price submission lodged15 November 2019
- Customer submissions close24 January 2020
- Draft decision released17 March 2020
- Submissions close30 April 2020
- Final decision released16 June 2020
- Implementation1 July 2020
Overview
We have completed our review of the prices Western Water will charge from 1 July 2020.
We conducted our review under our new PREMO pricing framework, which:
- promotes better value and outcomes for Victorian water customers
- requires water businesses to undertake meaningful customer engagement to inform their price submissions.
On 1 July 2021, City West Water and Western Water integrated to form business Greater Western Water. The price determination for Western Water applies to 30 June 2023, and must be complied with by Greater Western Water.
Our final decision paper explains our reasons for making this price determination.
View our final decision and price determination
What will happen to your bill?
The table below shows the estimated typical annual bills (water and sewerage only) for residential customer groups during the regulatory period under the final decision (in $2020-21).
| Customer group | Average consumption (kL p.a.) | 2019-20 annual bill | 2020-21 annual bill | 2021-22 annual bill | 2022-23 annual bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (owner occupier) | 180 | $1,041 | $1,041 | $1,083 | $1,127 |
| Residential (tenant)* | 180 | $249 | $249 | $284 | $321 |
Note: *Tenant bill include rebates of $105.51 (2019-20 and 2020-21), $90.44 (2021-22) and $75.37 (2022-23).
Use our water bill calculator to estimate your annual bill.
Key facts from our final decision
Western Water addressed the concerns raised in our draft decision
Our draft decision proposed to not accept many of the proposals Western Water put forward in its price submission. In its response to our draft decision, Western Water materially addressed the concerns raised and the adjustments made to its tariff structures and prices now meet the requirements set out in our guidance.
Bills will rise by inflation only in 2020-21
A typical owner-occupier household will see their bill rise by inflation only over the next year, then increase by about four per cent (before inflation) in each of the following two years. Higher prices in the last two years of the pricing period are largely driven by the need to invest almost $300 million in new infrastructure to accommodate the significant population growth in Western Water’s region, and to maintain water and sewerage services for all customers.
Investment in areas of highest priority
Western Water has reflected customer priorities in its commitments to:
- continue supporting customers through its customer support program
- continue its sewer spill prevention strategy
- make services accessible online to more customers
- investment in energy saving projects and promotion of environmental values
- work with the community on its water conservation program.
Read our fact sheet on the final decision
Read our media release
Got questions?
Contact us for more information.