Standard content for Members only

To continue reading this article, please login to your Utility Week account, Start 14 day trial or Become a member.

If your organisation already has a corporate membership and you haven’t activated it simply follow the register link below. Check here.

Become a member

Start 14 day trial

Login Register

Ofwat has streamlined the process of applying for a water retail self-supply licence, to make it easier for business customers wishing to take the route.

The changes come into effect immediately and include reducing the application fee from £5,250 to £3,000.

The regulator began consulting on proposed changes in March. It said it believes the process could be “better tailored” to reflect the differences in the information needed to assess self-supply applications.

Previously, applicants applying to self-supply had to go through a process very similar to the standard water supply and sewerage licence (WSSL) applications process.

Following consultation, Ofwat is introducing a modified application process for business customers applying for WSSLs limited to self-supply. This is now separate from the standard WSSL application process.

So far, five organisations have applied for self-supply licences in the English market.

In March, Coca Cola European Partners became the fourth company in England to be granted a self-supply licence by Ofwat, following brewer Greene King, hospitality firm Whitbread, and brewery and pub retailer Marston’s.

Blackpool Council has also applied for a licence which is yet to be granted.

Greene King, Whitbread, Marston’s, CCEP and Blackpool Council have all entered into partnership agreements with Waterscan.


For in-depth news and analysis about the non-household water retail market, visit: