A long-term project to simplify Unitywater’s fees
and charges is coming to an end, with 97% of customers now transferred to a
more consistent and fair pricing structure.
When Unitywater was formed in 2010, it inherited
hundreds of different fees and charges from the six former councils.
The new pricing structure standardises fees and
charges for water and sewerage services and gives customers more control over
their bills, with an emphasis on user pays.
Unitywater Executive Manager Retail Services Judy
Bailey said since July 2013, residential customers, sporting and community
groups and retirement villages had transferred to the new structure.
“Non-residential customers, including schools,
child care centres, non-government organisations and commercial and industrial
customers have come across this month,” Ms Bailey said.
“This has been one of the most complex and significant
undertakings in the history of Unitywater. But it has been essential to ensure our
business runs more efficiently into the future.”
More than 4500 Moreton Bay businesses have moved to
the structure, with 66% expected to pay less for water and sewerage services at
current water consumption levels.
The changes for business customers include fixed
access charges based on the number and size of water meters on the property and
a single tier for water usage.
There will also be a sewerage usage charge,
calculated as being a percentage of water usage determined by the property’s
land use code.
The transfer of customers
to the new pricing structure will cost Unitywater $4 million in reduced revenue
annually.
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