Slight rise to water bills for 2025-26

North East Water customers will see a small increase in water and sewerage charges from July. Tariff’s will increase by 0.45% plus inflation, with the average residential customer bill rising by approximately $33 per year, or 63 cents per week. General Manager Corporate Strategy and Performance, Nicholas Moore, said despite the adjustment, which is in-line with the approved 2018–26 price path set by the Essential Services Commission (ESC), North East Water’s bills remain well below the Victorian regional water corporation average. North East Water also has the second lowest average bills nationally for water corporations categorised as ‘large’, and in 2023-24 our bills were as much as $500 lower than the national average water bill1. “North East Water’s average residential customer using 200 kilolitres of water per year will now pay around $1,114 annually,” Mr Moore said. “The tariffs will continue to support the delivery of essential water and sewerage services to more than 120,000 people across 39 towns in our service region. “The increased revenue will help fund critical infrastructure projects across the north-east region aimed at ensuring water security, service reliability, and environmental sustainability in a growing region.” Mr Moore added, “At the end of our current price period in June 2026, over $300 million will have been invested in new and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure, which is more than double the original estimate of $141 million.” “In 2025–26 alone, customer bills will help fund more than $90 million in vital infrastructure upgrades.” Mr Moore also acknowledged that some customers may need support with their bills. “We understand that cost-of-living pressures are real. That’s why we have a dedicated support team available by phone or email to assist customers who may be struggling to pay,” he said. A range of support options is available, including: • concession card discounts • government relief and rebate schemes • payment extensions and flexible plans • referrals to financial counselling services For more information on financial support, visit www.newater.com.au/help or call 1300 361 633. A full list of 2025–26 tariffs is also available on the North East Water website. Additionally, North East Water is now finalising its next price submission, which will set prices and service standards from July 2026 for an expected five-year period. This follows on from more than two years of engagement to hear the views of customers and the community. North East Water’s proposed price submission will be reviewed by the ESC, followed by a public consultation phase, with a final determination anticipated by the end of June 2026. To stay informed about the process, visit www.newater.com.au/ps.

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