A PROPOSAL to raise water bills by as much as 50 per cent has failed to raise the ire of North East residents.

A public meeting in Wodonga on Monday to explain the hikes drew only one attendee.

Representatives from the Essential Services Commission explained how average household prices are set to increase from $640 a year to $964 a year by 2012-13.

The increase is primarily aimed at meeting operational costs and raising funds for North East Water capital investment of $103 million over the next five years.

The works will include an $8 million off stream water storage at Bright, $6 million for a Beechworth waste water treatment plant upgrade and new administration offices in Wodonga.

Customers will also have greater ability to reduce their bills under the NEW plan, with fixed service charges to be cut to 40 per cent of a bill and water usage to make up 60 per cent, reversing the current emphasis with 60 per cent coming from fixed charges and water usage accounting for 40 per cent.