EICL Prices for 2026-27

C (fixed) and D (variable) both up by 2% commencing April 1, 2026

The Board has made the decision to raise the Fixed (Part C) and Variable (Part D) charges by 2% to $50.67/ML (99c increase) and $16.44/ML (32c increase) respectively from April 1, 2026.  The annual change has been brought forward to align with the water year and when the 6 monthly meter reads are done.

This increase is less than the CPI forecast for the next 12 months (2.73%) and also less than the CPI forecast for 2026-27 (2.67%).  This is also around 20% less than the price path that would have been expected from SunWater.  The Board has deliberately kept the increase low based on the improved financial performance of the Co-operative (around breakeven) and to encourage further efficiency improvements in the business.

The government has committed to the 15% discount on irrigation charges until the end of the 26/27 year.  It is not expected to be continued beyond that, based on feedback from the Minister.  A new SunWater Board has been appointed, and the Minister’s expectation is that they will reduce costs by 2027/28 and therefore the discount will no longer be needed.