Household utility costs are expected to soar by $368 each year as the Western Australia government is set to impose the pricing structure changes recommended by the Economic Regulation Authority in order to closely reconcile the utility fees to the actual cost of delivering water and electricity to every home across the state.

The new cost of electricity will jump by 10 percent in July, apart from the 7.5 percent increase already imposed in April, while Australian households will have to shell out more for their water needs as its cost will be 17.7 percent higher by July 1.

To cushion the impact of the utility costs spikes especially for water consumption, the WA government will be charging utility fees on a scale basis, which will see large water consumers paying more fees while those paying fixed charges should expect dwindling fees.

The state treasury has already earmarked up to $18.8 million for those who will be hit hard by the increases and eligible WA residents suffering from financial woes can opt to apply for funding assistance in order to ease the burden of budget strains in household expenditures.

The millions to be infused on the currently in-placed Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme will be used to increase up to $450 the standard payment for those experiencing financial problems and seeking help, starting July 1.

Some $25.8 million will also be allocated from 2010 to 2011 to sustain funding on the WA Seniors Cost of Living Rebate and by July too, the state's treasure office has estimated that about 245,000 senior card holders would be entitled to receive $104.8 for those unmarried and $187.22 for those who are married.