Community feedback is sought on a draft decision to limit increases in WaterNSW’s regulated charges for bulk water services in regional and rural NSW to inflation of about 3.7% from 1 July 2024.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) will consider all stakeholder feedback before finalising its annual review of WaterNSW’s charges that will apply from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
IPART Chair Carmel Donnelly said the charges relate to NSW’s 9 valleys in the Murray-Darling Basin and the Fish River Water Supply Scheme.
“There is currently no evidence of a sustained shift in water sales compared to the demand forecast we used to set prices in the 2021 Determination,” Ms Donnelly said.
“Therefore, we do not consider it to be reasonably necessary to vary WaterNSW’s charges in the Murray-Darling Basin and Fish River for 2024-25 except for inflation.
“We will consider the key factors affecting the availability and demand for water in regional and rural NSW during our next comprehensive review of WaterNSW’s charges which is due to commence in September 2024.”
IPART encourages customers and the community to make submissions on the Draft Report by 15 May 2024.
The Draft Report and supporting information are available on IPART’s website www.ipart.nsw.gov.au.
Media Contact: Mark O’Brien
0428 975 091