The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has updated the maximum prices Icon Water can charge for its regulated water and sewerage services from next month (1 July).
Senior Commissioner at the ICRC, Joe Dimasi said that in the 2021–22 financial year, the average residential customer consuming 200kL of water per annum would see their actual combined water and sewerage bill increase by two per cent, or $0.45 per week.
“Last year, Icon Water was allowed to raise prices by up to 1.52 per cent, but it decided to freeze water prices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Dimasi said.
“This year, Icon Water has indicated that it will ‘unfreeze’ water prices, meaning that the actual increase in the combined bill of two per cent is the combined effect of this year’s maximum price change of 0.4 per cent and the maximum price change for last year,” he said.
“This year’s two per cent increase will bring prices back to the normal trajectory of the maximum price level that it (Icon Water) is allowed to charge.”
Mr Dimasi said that for non-residential customers, bill changes would range from increases of up to $7.64 per week, to decreases of up to $26.12 per week, depending on water consumption and the number of flushable fixtures installed.
“The slight increase in residential customer bills versus the decrease in non-residential customer bills is because sewerage charges make up a greater portion of non-residential bills because non-residential customers typically have more flushable fixtures,” he said.
Managing Director of Icon Water, Ray Hezkial said the Organisation had a range of flexible payment options available to support those seeking long or short-term financial assistance.
“We also want to hear from you,” Mr Hezkial said.
“We will soon be launching an engagement platform so we can receive community feedback on what’s important to our customers when it comes to your water and sewerage services,” he said.
The ICRC’s 28-page price adjustment report, Regulated water and sewerage services: 2021–22 price adjustment, can be accessed at this PS News link.
