Melbourne households could have hundreds of dollars worth of delayed bills written off if Greater Western Water’s billing bungle from 2024 continues, with tens of thousands of homes also in line for compensation over a botched system upgrade.

But the billing issues could continue to June 2026 under the redress scheme, which would cost the public water company $130 million, if the Essential Services Commission accepts the proposal following consultation.

Greater Western Water launched its $100 million-plus upgraded billing system in May 2024. But the new system couldn’t create bills automatically and staff had to check each bill manually.

Bills were therefore delayed and resulted in bill shock. They were incorrect, inflated or missed required information, and the ability to pay by direct

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