Ruth Williams

Wholesalers say retailers should bridge liquidity gap

Water UK, on behalf of wholesalers, has told Ofwat that water retailers should pay 70 per cent of wholesale charges to ensure liquidity remains in the market. As part of Ofwat's consultation to find an enduring solution during coronavirus the group urged the regulator to avoid any moves that could disrupt the market's stability.

S&P keeping close eye on utilities’ access to debt

Matan Benjamin, director of infrastructure ratings for the utility sector at S&P Global Ratings, talks to Utility Week about how coronavirus has impacted utilities companies' short-term liquidity, and his view that investor perceptions of the industry will be key in the near future.

Submissions invited on CMA appeals

The CMA has asked for submissions relating to the redetermination of business plans for Anglian, Bristol, Northumbrian and Yorkshire. Customers, the water sector and other stakeholders are all invited to comment.

Increased consumption could be ‘tipping point’ for water capacity

The public health advice to wash hands for 20 seconds to help protect against coronavirus could mean additional water consumption of 10 litres per day for every person in the UK, an expert has claimed. Waterscan’s Barry Millar said this will cause serious problems for water-stressed parts of the UK if lockdown is extended into the summer.

Tideway resumes work

Work has resumed on the Thames Tideway project this week after drilling was paused due to the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the company behind the project has been awarded a 74 ESG score by S&P, highlighting the environmental benefits of the finished project.

On the Move: Ovo Energy chair appointed

Former Burberry executive Stacey Cartwright is to head up the Ovo Energy board. Meanwhile, Thames has welcomed a director from Sydney Water, David Black has a new role at Ofwat and Electricity North West has created an HR director position. Utility Week presents a round-up of appointments from across the sector.

‘Don’t give water firms a free pass for failure’

Ofwat explores longer-term coronavirus-related measures for retail market

Bristol to CMA: Ofwat got it wrong

Water retailers ‘need clarity’ over coronavirus measures

Changes made by Ofwat and MOSL to support the water retail market and protect customers from bills during lockdown contain ambiguities and need urgent clarification, according to Castle Water's chief executive.