Regulation

Ofwat confirms tougher action on unwarranted bonuses

Ofwat has confirmed measures intended to block water company bosses from claiming unwarranted bonus payments. The regulator has confirmed plans to implement an end-of-period reconciliation mechanism which would allow it to adjust a company’s revenue allowance if it does not meet Ofwat’s expectations, particularly around financial and environmental objectives.

After After Diversity

Ofgem proposes additional bad debt allowance in PPM cap

My family experiences shape diversity approach at Ofgem

Ofgem clears path for Rough to operate until 2030

Ofwat approves £2.2bn accelerated spending

Ofgem confirms need for transmission upgrade in Yorkshire

Ofgem checks risk exclusion from insulation help, EUK warns

Struggling households could be denied support for energy efficiency upgrades due to irrational eligibility checks, Energy UK has warned. In particular, the trade body has criticised the need to provide council tax bills when applying for support under the government’s flagship Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

Probe into ‘widespread’ sewage failings moves to next phase

The Environment Agency is stepping up its investigation into sewage treatment works after its initial 18-month assessment indicated “widespread and serious” environmental breaches. The probe, launched in November 2021, is the Environment Agency’s largest ever criminal investigation. It focuses on potential breaches of environmental permit conditions at wastewater treatment works by all water and sewerage companies.

Weekend press roundup: Sunak accused of ‘slyly’ reintroducing green levies

Call for winter ban on forced PPMs

Ofgem's “disappointingly limited” actions on forced prepayment meter (PPM) installations have been slammed by the government's fuel poverty advisor, which has instead called for a further ban this winter. The Committee on Fuel Poverty takes aim at the regulator’s measures to improve standards around forced PPMs installations, in its annual report. The Committee also urges suppliers “to think long and hard” before returning to the practice of forced PPM installations.

Smart meters needed ‘quickly’ to tackle water shortages

Uptick in wholesale energy prices pushes up cap forecasts

Ofwat chair: Business plans must be better

Water companies have been urged to get their PR24 business plans right the first time round by Ofwat chair Iain Coucher who said the quality of PR19 submissions were below what he would have expected. He told company boards to make sure firms had the right teams in place for investment ambitions that are affordable and deliverable.

One-off costs for setting up FSO could climb to £390m