The Essential Services Commission (ESC) of Victoria has announced that water prices are due to increase by between 5 and 15 per cent across the state, which will translate into an increase of an average of $120 per bill.

 

The ESC has warned that the costs will also increase to industry, who will face similar increases to water costs.

 

The Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce has warned that any increase in water costs will have a knock on affect on consumer confidence.

 

“Bigger water bills add to rising interest rates and power and energy price hikes for consumers and won’t help already decline consumer confidence, another important factor for a healthy business environment” spokesman Chris James told The Australian Financial Review.