More than 600 people attended a virtual public meeting staged by Ofwat to get the views of customers and stakeholders on the draft decisions on business plans of all water companies in England for 2025 to 2030.
An independent chair oversaw a panel featuring members of the Ofwat senior leadership team for the ‘Your water, your say’ event on 23 July, which follows similar sessions staged by water companies last year.
The views and contributions from attendees at the latest Ofwat session will be considered as part of the seven-week consultation on the PR24 price review draft determinations, which closes on 28 August.
Some of the key topics raised during the event included: the roll out of smart meters for customers; sewage pollution; the replacement programme for water mains; bonuses for company executives; performance targets and penalties for companies and the ways in which bills are structured.
Chris Walters, Senior Director for PR24 at Ofwat, said:
“It is important we hear directly from customers and stakeholders as well as us taking every opportunity to explain the price review proposals at what is a key time for the water sector.
“We are grateful to all of those who were able to attend. We heard a range of views and took a variety of questions important to people – they will all be considered in the coming months as we move towards the final determinations on the English water company business plans.
“The contributions made through this meeting, and the wider consultation period, will shape bills and the investment programme for the water companies as they strive to deliver the best service possible now and in the future.”
Anyone wishing to make a consultation submission can do so until 12 noon on 28 August 2024, via the dedicated PR24 draft determinations consultation page.
The PR24 final determinations are then due to be published on 19 December 2024.
