Victorians woke to good news today with water prices dropping in most areas across the state, with Melbourne household bills falling $33 for the year on average.

Acting Water Minister Richard Wynne welcomed the news from the Essential Services Commission which follows the Commission’s price decision last week for Melbourne Water, with the drop in bills to start from today.

The Commission found that as well as reducing bills, Victorian water corporations had also responded to the needs of customers who were experiencing difficulty paying their bills due to the impacts of COVID.

In Melbourne, annual household bills for Yarra Valley Water customers will fall by $36 on average, and by $17 for customers of South East Water. Customers of the newly formed Greater Western Water (previously City West Water area) will see a $47 drop on average.

The biggest regional winners include Central Highlands Water and Goulburn Valley Water customers with annual average savings of more than $20, while Coliban Water, Gippsland Water, GWMWater and Wannon Water customers will see average bills fall by more than $10.

The Andrews Labor Government has made it clear to water corporations that customer affordability is a key priority both with lower bills and flexible payments and support for those in difficulty.