Review of the water pricing framework for data centres
The NSW Government has appointed IPART to investigate and make recommendations on the appropriate water pricing and regulatory framework for data centres. The recommended framework should provide for data centre operators to fund the upfront and ongoing costs of providing water services to them, without placing an undue burden on existing and future water customers.
Consultation on the draft Terms of Reference has closed
The NSW Government issued IPART a draft Terms of Reference to undertake this review under section 12A of the IPART Act. The draft Terms of Reference set out the scope of the review and the matters IPART must consider.
We sought feedback from the community on the draft Terms of Reference. Consultation closed on Friday, 2 October 2026. We received 65 written submissions from community members, data centre owners and operators, developers, water utilities and Water Industry Competition Act 2006 licensees.
We thank everyone who provided feedback. Submissions are now available to view on our website.
This review will commence once IPART receives a finalised Terms of Reference from the NSW Government.