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Water firms will no longer have to submit their customer charges schemes to Ofwat for approval, as the regulator announced it has moved to a rules-based approach to regulating such schemes.
In line with provisions in the Water Act 2014, companies must instead make sure their scheme complies with “all their legal obligations” including rules set out by the regulator.
Under the new rules, each company must consult the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) on their proposed charges scheme
They must also offer a rebate for customers where they know that surface water does not drain to a public sewer; and provide “reasonable choice” as to the times and methods of payment of charges.
Ofwat said the 18 largest water-only and water and sewerage companies must publish a statement of significant bill increase by no later than 11 January 2016.
All companies must publish their charges schemes and a statement of Board assurance by no later than 1 February 2016.
“We can update the rules whenever appropriate to reflect changes in the way the sector operates,” the regulator said. “We will review our charging rules again in 2016-17 and change them where necessary to protect customers.”
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