At the end of 1999, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (the Tribunal) recommended to the government the terms and conditions of a new Operating Licence for Sydney Water Corporation (Sydney Water). The new 5-year Licence commenced on 12 April 2000.

Under clause 5.1.5 of this Licence, Sydney Water is required to initiate an independent review of its Customer Contract. The independent body undertaking the review must report to the Minister for Energy regarding recommended terms for a new Customer Contract.