The number of water customers on hardship programs in metropolitan Melbourne grew by more than five per cent in September, according to the latest data collected by the state regulator.
Victorian water customers are moving onto hardship programs in record numbers during the coronavirus pandemic, new data collected by the state regulator shows.
Victorian households and small businesses who are having trouble paying their water bills due to the coronavirus pandemic now have access to greater customer protections.
Most Melbourne households will enjoy a drop in water bills for the year ahead, while bills in regional Victoria will mostly rise by less than inflation.
Households in parts of Victoria’s south-east will get a temporary reprieve from planned water price rises with South Gippsland Water limiting increases to inflation only till later this year.
Residents of Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Sunbury, Melton, Macedon and Lancefield will have typical water bill increases held to inflation for a year to recognise the impact on household budgets due to coronavirus.
The state’s independent economic regulator has reassured water customers help is available if they have trouble paying their bills due to the summer bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic.
Victoria’s water businesses have improved their standing in the eyes of customers according to a quarterly survey conducted on behalf of the state’s water regulator.
