Hydro Tasmania transfers water to other users for a range of purposes.
Some agreements to transfer water are a result of pre-existing rights, others are statutory obligations, triggered by flood events or subject to memoranda of understanding. Where applicable, these transfer arrangements include pricing arrangements.
Other arrangements to transfer water (allocations) are subject to a charge that is calculated annually. Hydro Tasmania adopts a transparent and timely approach to how it calculates this water charge.
This charge is intended to reflect the revenue that could have been earned by Hydro Tasmania if that water had been used for generation, and includes revenue from Renewable Energy Credits.
The water prices are calculated once each year towards the end of April and published in early May. The annual prices are for water taken during the coming 12-month period from 1 July to 30 June. This aligns with typical licence periods.
All transfers are subject to any additional terms and conditions that might be required by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).
Three water prices are quoted:
- The winter 'dam fill' price will be charged for water typically taken between 1 May and 30 November to fill dams
- The summer 'direct take' price will be charged for water typically taken between 1 December and 30 April to irrigate crops
- The annual price will be charged for water that could be taken at any time throughout the coming financial year.
These periods are intended to correspond to normal DPIPWE water licence terms but may vary depending on local circumstances.
Explanation of water price calculation
For further information on water pricing, email webmaster@hydro.com.au
Last updated 20 May 2010