Owners and occupiers of houses face rises in water and sewerage charges of just under $1 per week this financial year.
Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, approved last week by the Essential Services Commission provides for an increase for a typical residence of about $51 to $1414, up about 3.7 per cent on the 2022-2023 rate but 3.3 per cent below the level of inflation.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said keeping the increase to lower than the rate of inflation would save customers about $53.50.
She said the dominant themes of Gippsland Water's submission to the ESC, developed after extensive consultation with its customers were affordability, fairness and providing bill reductions before inflation.
She said that had been achieved despite increasing costs beyond the authority's control, such as interest rates, chemicals and chemicals.
Ms Cumming said key initiatives that would be funded during the five-year plan's life were capital investments valued at $268 million to meet higher demand and service levels, $10.5 million to reduce long-term energy costs and $100,000 per year in community support programs.
An app also would be made available to help customers manage their bill payments and monitor water usage and there would be annual education campaigns focusing on water conservation and sustainability.
Ms Cumming said the increases were among the lowest of the state's water corporations and Gippsland's investments would ensure customers received improved value and a good and affordable service.