TasWater and regulator clash over $5000 water bills hitting 642 households
TasWater and its regulator clashed over steep water bills, with 642 customers now paying over $5000 annually.
TasWater and Tasmania's economic regulator have blamed each other for surging water bills in a parliamentary hearing. TasWater chief executive George Theo said the utility's original pricing model would have cut bills for 36,000 households in the first year, but the regulator rejected it.
The regulator approved a lower 5.7 per cent price rise while keeping high fixed charges based on meter size. Theo said 642 customers are now paying over $5000 a year, and 327 customers have had increases above 100 per cent.
Some sporting clubs have seen bills jump from $700 to $19,000 annually. The regulator said TasWater could discount charges but refuses because it would lose revenue needed for infrastructure investment.
The regulator also cut $500 million from TasWater's proposed $1.7 billion four-year spending plan.
- 642 paying over $5000 annually
- High-bill customers
- $700 to $19,000 annual bills
- Sporting clubs impact
- $500 million from $1.7 billion plan
- Regulator spending cut
Why it mattersTasmanian households face sharp bills and may see them rise further if the regulator and utility remain at odds over infrastructure spending.
AustraliaTasmanian water customers are bearing the brunt of infrastructure cost disputes; the outcome will shape bills for years.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
