What's new in water?

• Water Prices
• Water customer service code—updated GSLs

Water prices—final decision—household bills
The ESC has now published a Final Decision in its Metropolitan Water Price Review 2009-13.

The table below shows the overall impact of the prices approved in the Final Decision—by estimating annual bills for an 'average' household in 2009-10 and 2012-13 (as the first and final years of the regulatory period).

Water business	Current bill 2008-9	Final decision 2009-10	Final decision 2012-13
City West Water	$568	$641	$858
South East Water	$566	$662	$894
Yarra Valley Water	$585	$687	$960
*Source: page 6, 2009 Water Price Review: Final Decision Summary. $ are expressed in Jan 2009 prices. Estimated annual household bills are based on a typical consumption of 165 kilolitres each. Figures do not include Melbourne Water drainage and water charges or Parks Victoria charges.

The ESC approved the businesses' proposed Guaranteed Service Level (GSL) events and an increase in GSL payments from $25 to $50. The 3 metropolitan water retailers must provide the ESC with their revised Customer Charters by 21 August 2009.

The ESC also noted in its Final Decision that it recognises affordability will be an issue for particular customer groups, such as low income and vulnerable groups—it says that during 2009-10, it will work with the three metropolitan retailers, customer and welfare groups, relevant government departments and other stakeholders on defining and implementing an effective hardship GSL event for introduction in 2010-11.

More information » 2009 Water Price Review Final Decision—documents and fact sheets, including in languages other than English.

Water customer service code—updated GSLs
On 22 June 2009, the ESC released an updated Customer Service Code—Metropolitan Retail and Regional Water Businesses. The amendments relate to Schedule 1: Approved GSLs, and Schedule 2: Approved Service Standards.

More information » Customer Service Code: Metropolitan Retail and Regional Water Businesses

What does this mean for you? Make sure you use the latest versions when you're working with your clients.

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