Updated framework for new customer contributions to water infrastructure
22 January 2026
New customer contributions, also known as developer charges, are one-off charges levied by water businesses on a property owner applying to connect to water infrastructure or applying to receive increased services.
New customer contributions establish how much a connecting party pays upfront, and what will be paid through ongoing charges by the connecting party and all other customers.
send signals to developers about the costs of connecting in different locations
share the costs and benefits of growth between new and existing customers
administer customer contributions for new developments in a transparent way.
The updated framework now requires water businesses to develop clear, comprehensive, and internally consistent connection policies, which are reviewed and approved by the commission through the price review process. This new approach promotes transparency and accountability.
These changes have been made following two years of extensive consultation, including seeking feedback on issues papers and the draft framework, as well as workshops and surveys with water businesses and developers.
