Auckland City Council
Media release

28 May 2010

Council helps secure minimal Metrowater price increase

Metrowater customers will receive a refund via an adjustment in upcoming water bills to reflect its sizeable profit for the 2009/10 year.

This follows a request from Auckland City Council’s Finance and Strategy Committee for Metrowater to consider returning to customers a significant proportion of its projected surplus.

Metrowater will also increase its water and wastewater price by just 1.4 per cent from 1 July. Letters will be sent to Metrowater customers from 28 May advising them of the water and wastewater price increase, which is well below the rate of inflation.

Committee chair Councillor Douglas Armstrong says the minimal water rate increase and upcoming return of the surplus is great news for Auckland city residents, and is in line with council’s policy to minimise water costs while maintaining a secure and reliable network.

“Metrowater directors have followed council’s recommendation to return to customers a significant proportion of the surplus.

“Council tasks Metrowater to break even each year, however in the last year, increased water use due to the long hot summer generated surplus income resulting in a profit.

“As Metrowater’s sole shareholder, the council has keenly overseen Metrowater’s performance, and I’m confident they are well placed for the merger on 1 November with Watercare.”

The establishment of the Super City will have no further impact on Metrowater’s pricing for the new financial year.

Ends

© Scoop Media