‘If only all price rises for essential services were like this!’ That’s the response from the Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program’s Carolyn Hodge (pictured) to the latest Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) Draft Determination for water prices in Sydney.
Sydney Water had previously applied for a price rise of approximately $166 over the period 2012 to 2016.
However, the draft IPART determination recommends water prices for Sydney households should decrease, or rise at rates lower than other household items.
The IPART draft also suggests that pensioners are likely to face an increased water cost of approximately $1 for the period 2012 to 2016.
‘This is welcome news,’ said Ms Hodge, who is the senior policy officer for the Energy + Water Consumers’ Advocacy Program.
‘Consumers are increasingly looking for assistance to remain connected to essential services, so any news that essential service prices will remain reasonably steady is a relief,’ Ms Hodge said.
IPART is seeking feedback on the draft determination by 13 April 2012.