Thames Water’s plans to increase local water bills by up to eight per cent next year – roughly £29 on an average bill in Marlborough – is being challenged by Ofwat, the water regulator.
The regulator is investigating Thames’s claim that the increase is justified because it is facing rising costs, in particular its massive investment in the new Tideway Tunnel sewer project for London.
But Ofwat says Thames has under-spent on sewer and sewage improvement schemes and is examining whether its financial gains elsewhere justify the eight per cent rise.
Ofwat’s chief regulation officer Sonia Brown said: “We have been clear that we would challenge Thames’ proposed bill increase. So we are looking to see if there are areas where we can claim money back for customers.”
A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We expected the regulator to set out the format for assessing our application. This is part of the regulatory process. We don’t plan to comment until after Ofwat’s draft decision.”
Ofwat will announce its decision next month on rising bills due to come into effect next April.
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