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23/07/2009
Ofwat Calls For Water Bill Cuts
Water bills in British households are set to fall by an average of 4% over the next five years, under new proposals announced today by regulator Ofwat.
The average bills will be cut by £14 to £330, and the plans were announced as part of the regulator's "draft determination" on price limits for water and sewerage costs in England and Wales for the 2010-15 period.
According to Ofwat, the proposals will allow water companies to invest £21bn in improving services over the period.
However, the decision is likely to spark fury from water companies - who wanted to increase bills by £28 above inflation by 2015.
A consultation period will take place, until the final decision by the regulator will be revealed in November.
Meanwhile, water companies will get the chance to renegotiate in September and they can also appeal to the Competition Commission.
Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn said: "We understand times are hard and we have listened to what customers have told us.
"They want a safe, reliable water supply at a reasonable cost. People can shop around for the best deal on many things, but not water."
The new bills will then come into effect in April 2010.
(JM/BMcC)
The average bills will be cut by £14 to £330, and the plans were announced as part of the regulator's "draft determination" on price limits for water and sewerage costs in England and Wales for the 2010-15 period.
According to Ofwat, the proposals will allow water companies to invest £21bn in improving services over the period.
However, the decision is likely to spark fury from water companies - who wanted to increase bills by £28 above inflation by 2015.
A consultation period will take place, until the final decision by the regulator will be revealed in November.
Meanwhile, water companies will get the chance to renegotiate in September and they can also appeal to the Competition Commission.
Ofwat chief executive Regina Finn said: "We understand times are hard and we have listened to what customers have told us.
"They want a safe, reliable water supply at a reasonable cost. People can shop around for the best deal on many things, but not water."
The new bills will then come into effect in April 2010.
(JM/BMcC)
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Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
07 November 2003
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
Water price rise proposals 'unacceptable for customers'
WaterVoice has today described companies' proposals for billing as "unacceptable to customers in their current form", and called on water companies, regulators and the government to "think about customers' priorities" in terms of value for money.
14 July 2005
Water firms missing leakage reduction targets
Two English water companies have missed targets to reduce leakage, industry watchdog Ofwat has warned. United Utilities Water, in the north west of England, reported increased leakage and missed its target by 30 megalitres per day (Ml/d), for the third year running.
Water firms missing leakage reduction targets
Two English water companies have missed targets to reduce leakage, industry watchdog Ofwat has warned. United Utilities Water, in the north west of England, reported increased leakage and missed its target by 30 megalitres per day (Ml/d), for the third year running.
18 June 2010
Bristol Water Allowed Ofwat-Busting Rise
The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally decided that Bristol Water can make a small increase in the prices it charges its customers above the five-year price limits previously set by Ofwat.
Bristol Water Allowed Ofwat-Busting Rise
The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally decided that Bristol Water can make a small increase in the prices it charges its customers above the five-year price limits previously set by Ofwat.
29 August 2003
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
'Dismay' over proposed increases to water charges
WaterVoice reacted with dismay yesterday to the announcement by the water industry body Water UK that the expected average water bill of £240 in 2004-05 could rise by £15 on top of inflation, every year for the next five years; a total increase of £75 (or 31%).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
