Water

More than 5,000 apply for NHS water rebate

Expert View: Remote infrastructure is utilities’ Achilles Heel

Utility assets hide in plain sight - from internet cabinets on every high street to water pumps tucked away behind gates. However, does this visibility mean utilities companies are leaving themselves exceptionally vulnerable? Jean-Phillipe Deby of Genetec discusses.

Thames’ parent company downgraded

Fletcher: Public will judge water firms on coronavirus actions

Ofwat chief executive Rachel Fletcher has highlighted some of the “important choices” water companies face in responding to coronavirus and warned that “the public is watching and judging”. But, has the regulator provided enough clarity to reassure firms?

Weekend press round-up: Scottish Power breaks ranks on energy bailout calls

Over the Easter weekend, the national newspapers reported comments from Scottish Power chief executive Keith Anderson that the costs of bad debts accrued during the pandemic could be recovered by existing mechanisms rather than immediate government intervention. There was also speculation that Ofwat will allow water companies more flexibility on performance targets.

ICYMI: Utility Week’s round-up of w/c 6 April

Water companies offer rebates for NHS workers

Northumbrian to CMA: We see a different future to Ofwat

Northumbrian has urged the CMA to listen to the "crystal clear" message from its customers to let it invest in resilience and proactively combat the impacts of climate change. Chief executive Heidi Mottram talks us through the Statement of Case defending the original plan.

Coronavirus has not sidelined essential work – but exit strategy is needed

Targeting ‘hidden habits’ could unlock water efficiency gains

Coronavirus: Drastic action needed to prevent charging spikes

Yorkshire Water tenders for £800m contract

Yorkshire is tendering for £800 million worth of contracts including an innovation fund to encourage bids that develop new technologies while minimising disruption for customers

Waterwise extends Checkmark scheme

To showcase the best practices of community groups engaged with water efficiency programmes, Waterwise has extended its Checkmark scheme. It will target water companies that want to highlight the work they undertake to encourage better water habits to apply for the accreditation.

Regulatory No Man’s Land

In the latest of a series of articles exclusively for Utility Week members, Maxine Frerk – former Ofgem executive – asks whether the regulators have responded quickly and decisively enough on the implications of the coronavirus outbreak. As well as assessing whether their reassurances go far enough, she examines which parts of the regulatory programme could safely be put on hold.

Weekend press round-up: Water UK denies bailout talks

The trade body for the water sector has vehemently denied a story in the Sunday Times claiming it is lobbying for a government bailout for the industry during the coronavirus response. The weekend papers also carried an update on a possible package of assistance for energy suppliers, mapped the latest energy use trends and included a message from BP’s chief executive that after the pandemic passes companies cannot continue to put profits first.