Chances are the Ofwat top brass won’t be shedding too many tears at the news, not wholly unexpected, that Bristol Water has rejected its price determination, forcing a referral to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While this delays the conclusion of the long drawn out PR14 process, and creates extra work and risk, it also paints the regulator as a tough watchdog, doing battle to bring down bills for customers in Bristol by nearly a quarter, in the face of opposition from the water company. That’s a handy image to have months before the election when its fellow regulator Ofgem is on the ropes. The regulator will also have its day in court; its chance to prove beyond doubt the robustness of its new approach to the price review, which it will no doubt relish.
Leader: Ofwat hangs tough in brawl with Bristol Water
