Ruth Williams

Water-only complaints jump 66% after extreme weather

The number of complaints about water-only companies rose 66% year-on-year following supply interruptions during extreme weather. Although billing disputes dominated the causes of grievances, water watchdog CCW said environmental factors such as the hot, dry summer and freeze-thaw in 2022 triggered an influx of customer complaints when water supplies were affected. South East was named as the most complained about water-only company with disputes related to the freeze thaw, and how subsequent compensation claims were dealt, leading to a surge in customer contacts. 

PR24: Smart metering hits mainstream

PR24: SES to ‘fall short’ on net zero

SVT ‘really confident’ Ofwat will approve £13bn spend

Severn Trent has told investors it is confident the "vast majority" of its spending plans for 2025-2030 will be approved, after asking for a doubling in total expenditure compared to the current price control. Meanwhile chief executive Liz Garfield promised growth in regulatory capital value “beyond anything people might have been expecting” for PR24.

Severn Trent first to reveal PR24 plan

In the first signal of how water companies are approaching investment plans for 2025-2030, Severn Trent has indicated it expects totex to more than double compared to the first half of the decade. The company gave a summary of its plans as it announced it is seeking £1 billion equity to fund a programme of river improvements, resilience and service. It has also revealed indicative views on bill rises and key performance commitments.

On the move: Ex-UU finance director joins Northumbrian

Coffey summons ‘extremely disappointing’ water bosses

Water companies owe billpayers £236 million for underperformance

Final hosepipe ban ends

South West Water has ended the final hosepipe ban, which had been in place for residents of north Devon and Cornwall since last year. Reservoir levels are now up to 28% higher than this time last year.

Cost of tackling storm overflow spills rises to £60bn