IPART has released its Final Report on the maximum prices WaterNSW can charge to provide rural bulk water services.
IPART has decided to issue a 1-year determination commencing on 1 July 2025 and ending 30 June 2026, or when replaced.
From 1 July, prices will increase by 5.8% plus inflation of 2.4% for bulk water (including Fish River) customers. MDBA charges will increase by 0.6% plus inflation of 2.4% and BRC charges will increase by 1.1% plus inflation of 2.4%. All other prices will increase by inflation only (including the Yanco Creek levy).
At this stage, the Tribunal is not convinced that all the increased costs proposed by WaterNSW are sufficiently justified as necessary or efficient, or that they should all be passed on the customers. The Tribunal has issued a short determination to allow more work to be done on the broader challenges identified through this price review.
IPART will commence its next review of WaterNSW Rural Valleys immediately. The Tribunal will not require WaterNSW to submit a new pricing proposal.
We thank all stakeholders for providing feedback over the course of this review. We have considered all feedback received in making our final decisions. We will also take all of this information and feedback into account as part of our next review.