Water price

As the major water manager in Tasmania, Hydro Tasmania considers other users of water resources when generating renewable hydro-electricity.

Over time a range of agreements have been entered into with other water users. Some agreements to transfer water are a result of pre-existing historical rights while others are statutory obligations.

Water can also be transferred during flood events. If there is extra water which we cannot use, we want others to be able to use it. Water transfers can also be subject to negotiated agreements.

Where applicable, some water transfers may include the payment of a fee to Hydro Tasmania. These arrangements to transfer water are subject to a charge that is calculated annually. We make sure that the way in which this price is calculated is clear and transparent.  

The annual prices are for water “taken” during the coming 12-months from 1 July to 30 June. This time aligns with a normal water licence period.
We quote three water prices:

  • winter 'dam fill' price: will be charged for water typically taken between 1 July and 30th November, and 1 May and 30 June to fill dams
  • summer 'direct take' price: charged for water typically taken between 1 December and 30 April to irrigate crops
  • annual price: charged for water that could be taken at any time throughout the coming financial year.

 

For full details on pricing see the water price table for 2012/13 season below, download our How water prices are calculated factsheet (PDF 26 KB) or contact us.

Please note: all water transfers are subject to any additional terms and conditions that might be required by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).
 

Hydro Tasmania water price for the 2012/13 season

Reservoir or River Generation forgone MWh/ML Annual price per ML
(Jul12-Jun13)		 Summer price per ML (Dec12-Apr13) Winter price per ML (Jul12-Nov12 + May13-Jun13)
Arthurs Lake 1.8969 $139.76 $145.46 $134.06
Great Lake 2.2278 $164.13 $170.82 $157.43
Ex Poatina or S.Esk 0.2794 $20.59 $21.43 $19.75
Parangana (via mini) 0.7950 $58.57 $60.96 $56.18
Cluny Lagoon 0.1072 $7.90 $8.22 $7.58
Lake Meadowbank 0.0675 $7.58 $7.58 $7.58
Lake Paloona 0.0731 $7.58 $7.58 $7.58
 
Minimum Fee $7.58 per ML Updated 7 May 2012