On Thursday 14 March 2013, the NT Government announced a revision to the standard electricity, water and sewerage tariff increases effective immediately.

The tariff increases which came into effect on 1 January 2013 will be be adjusted to:

• electricity 20% instead of 30%
• water 30% instead of 40%
• sewerage 15% instead of 25%

The balance of the announced tariff increases will be phased in over two years. On 1 January 2014 a 5% increase in electricity, water and sewerage will occur and on 1 January 2015 we can expect a further 5% increase to these services.

This increase is a uniform tariff and applies to all Power and Water customers across the Territory, including those in remote communities.

The increased tariffs mean the Territory now sits in the middle of the range compared to interstate tariffs and is a step closer to reflecting what it actually costs to deliver essential services across the Territory.

For more information and a breakdown of the tariffs, go to powerwater.com.au/tariff.

Electricity pre-payment meter customers

We will endeavor to update all pre-payment meters throughout April 2013 to reflect the lower tariff. The tariff updates will be carried out in the same order as the 1 January 2013 tariff increase to ensure the households that were increased first are decreased first. At the same time a $50 credit will be applied to the meter. Pre-payment customers can expect to see a calling card in the meter box confirming that the tariff has been changed and $50 has been credited.

Increased spend on power and water

With an increase to tariffs commencing on 1 January 2013, the average spend on Power and Water bills and prepayment power cards is expected to increase. Active steps to reduce consumption can help to reduce the financial impact of the tariff increase. For ideas on how you can reduce your consumption, see the Use less power flyer.

The emergency credit on prepayment meters (credit which can be used when a power card runs out) increased from $5 to $8 to allow for the tariff increase. Note: Any emergency credit used will be deducted from the credit on the next power card to be inserted into the meter.

Power card sales will increase

Retailers of Power and Water pre-payment meter power cards are urged to plan for potential increases in sales of prepayment power cards. During the wet season the delivery of power cards can be effected due to road closures. Please ensure these factors are considered when ordering power cards to avoid shortages.

Use less power and water

Below are a few simple and effective ideas that can be used to reduce your power and water usage.

Power

• Turn off all lights and fans when you are not in the room.
• Turn appliances off at the wall when you are not using them. Standby power is energy used by most household appliances – like our TVs, stereos and DVD players – while they’re plugged in but not being used.
• Use a fan to keep cool or set your air conditioner at 24ºC or higher and use a fan. For every degree cooler you set your air conditioner, you increase your running costs by 10%. Remember to shut all windows and doors when the air conditioner is on.
• Plant shady trees on the sunny side of your house; this will help to reduce the temperature on the inside.
• Switch off your hot water system when it is not required, especially when you go on holidays. Your hot water system can be one of the biggest energy users in the house!
• When buying new appliances, look at the energy efficiency star-rating label on electrical appliances and some electronic equipment including televisions. The more stars the appliance has, the more efficient it is.
• Switch to energy saving light bulbs which use up to 80 per cent less electricity.

Water

• Make sure your washing machine is full before you do the washing.
• When you are finished with the tap/hose make sure it is turned off.
• Keep showers short, 4 minutes or the length of one song on the radio is all you need to be clean and healthy.
• Use a plug in the sink when you are washing the dishes. 
• Water your garden after dark or first thing in the morning, this saves water and is better for your plants.
• Encourage kids to keep cool on a hot day by playing in the shade or going swimming at the pool. Playing under running water from taps, hoses or fire hydrants wastes valuable, healthy water for the community.   
• If you see a tap or shower leaking, report it to the Shire or your property manager.
• If you see a leaking fire hydrant or water pipe in the community, report it to our call centre on 1800 245 092 or online at powerwater.com.au/reportfaults.

For information on how to use less power in your home or workplace, see the Use less power flyer. For remote community specific messages and printable posters, see powerwater.com.au/less.

For general enquiries please contact our call centre on 1800 245 092.