Ruth Williams

Watchdogs warn CMA decision will affect more than water bills

Consumer watchdogs have welcomed the CMA's increased spending allowances for projects that were important to consumers but warned its overall stance could set a precedent for other regulated companies and add to the pressure on household finances.

Welsh Water, Portsmouth and Wessex top the first C-MeX chart

Ofwat: CMA’s allowed returns are too generous

Ofwat has expressed concern that in its PR19 provisional redeterminations, the CMA has set a rate of return that is lower than that requested by the appellant companies in their business plans. Senior director David Black told Utility Week this goes against the precedent of previous cases. Read his comments and reaction from across the industry.

Thames uses innovative repair technique for ‘most complex’ burst pipe

Thames Water has shared details of an innovative technique it used to repair a pipe by sending engineers inside the pipe instead of patching the 90cm burst.

Welsh Water asks government to ban plastic wet wipes

Welsh Water have called for wet wipes that contain plastic to be included in a government proposal to ban single-use plastics. The move is supported by 84 per cent of customers.

Ofwat to adjust price controls to reflect ‘blind year’

Ofwat has calculated price control adjustments to accurately reflect the final year of AMP6 (2019-20) which could see companies returning money to customers for underperformance.

Affinity calls time on chalk stream abstraction

In the midst of public outcry over the health of English rivers, Affinity Water has said it will stop abstracting from chalk streams, with the process to kick off from World Rivers Day (27 September).

Portsmouth launches biodiversity fund

Portsmouth has launched a fund for enhancing biodiversity at its operational sites following customer feedback that prioritised the environment

Pennon updates on Covid impact and plans for Viridor funds

Pennon, the parent company of South West and Bournemouth Water, has said it expects revenue for this financial year to take a £10 million hit from coronavirus. Options for deploying proceeds from the £4.2 billion sale of Viridor are still being weighed up and the company said it was considering market opportunities.

Covid-19 bad debts hit water sector ratings

After a ripple of downgrading in the water sector on the back of final determinations earlier this year, companies are further challenged by the financial impacts of Covid-19. Fitch warns there is limited headroom for manoeuvre