Regulator releases final decision on North East Water's pricing
Essential Services Commission
The Essential Services Commission has released its final decision on how much North East Water can charge customers for water and sewerage services over the next five years, starting 1 July 2026.
North East Water provides water and sewerage services to approximately 120,000 people in 39 towns. Its service area includes Wodonga and Wangaratta and is bound by Corryong, Yarrawonga, Benalla and Dartmouth.
The typical household water and sewerage bill for North East Water’s owner-occupier customers will increase by about 9.9 per cent or around $109 during 2026-27 (including 4.1 per cent inflation). Prices will then increase by around 5.4 per cent or about $70 on average (excluding inflation and price adjustments) from 2027-28. This equates to a total increase of around 27 per cent before inflation over the five-year period.
The typical household bill for renters will increase by around 6.3 per cent or $32 (including inflation) in 2026-27. Prices will then increase by around 1.8 per cent or $10 on average (excluding inflation and price adjustments) from 2027-28.
The final decision allows North East Water to invest $280 million in continuing to provide safe and clean drinking water and reliable sewerage treatment, and support the long-term planning and infrastructure needed to deliver the essential services customers rely on now and into the future.
For the coming period, it will also allow for improvements such as renewing water and sewerage infrastructure, improvements to sewerage treatment plants in West Wodonga, Beechworth, Bright and Rutherglen, and building infrastructure for growth areas. It also means North East Water can continue to invest in environmental projects.
The final decision also supports North East Water to expand its customer support and hardship programs to help customers who may find it difficult to manage higher bills.
In making its final decision, the commission took into account North East Water’s response to the commission’s draft decision and the views of participants in our public forum held in Wodonga in April and submissions from interested parties. Our final decision also reflects the latest inflation forecasts and cost updates provided by North East Water.
| Customer group | Average consumption (kL p.a.) | 2025-26 (current) | 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential – owner occupier | 194 | $1,097 | $1,205 |
| Residential – tenant | 175 | $509 | $541 |
| Non-residential (small) | 180 | $1,455 | $1,588 |
| Non-residential (medium) | 1,670 | $5,786 | $6,191 |
The commission has also released its final decision on Melbourne Water's prices.
Quotes attributable to Essential Services Commission Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody
“The final prices balance North East Water’s need to invest in infrastructure that delivers safe, clean drinking water, while making sure customers are not asked to pay more than is needed.”
“The commission thanks customers and interested parties for their submissions and participation during the consultation process. We considered all feedback to help inform our final decision on North East Water’s pricing.”
“In making our final decision, we considered the interests of all customers, including low-income and vulnerable customers. North East Water will double the financial support available through its customer support program, improve access to support, and strengthen protections for customers experiencing financial hardship or family violence.”
Background
The commission issues price determinations that set the maximum prices water businesses may charge customers. These prices are based on an assessment of the efficient costs required to deliver services, including high-quality drinking water, reliable and secure supplies, and meeting environmental standards while supporting a growing population.
Contact details:
To arrange an interview with Essential Services Commission, Chairperson and Commissioner Gerard Brody, please contact [email protected] or 0437 677 385
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