Millions of water customers in England could see their bills rise by £156 a year under new plans set out by water companies. The £96 billion package, to be rolled out between 2025 and 2030, aims to stop 140,000 sewage overflow spills per year and includes funding for 10 new reservoirs and infrastructure improvements. Consumers would be asked to pay an additional £7 per month from 2025, rising to £13 per month extra by 2030. These plans come as energy bills continue to soar and inflation remains high, leading to concerns about the affordability of essential utilities.
Water companies aim to tackle sewage overflow spills
In a bid to improve water quality and prevent environmental damage, water companies in England have developed a five-year plan to tackle sewage overflow spills. The plan includes a £96 billion investment to be implemented between 2025 and 2030. It is expected to reduce spillages by over a quarter by 2030 compared to the start of the decade. The plan also includes the creation of nature-based schemes to manage rainwater and the introduction of new technology to better manage water flows.
Heavy burden on consumers
Under the proposed plans, customers in England would have to pay an extra £7 per month on their water bills starting from 2025. By 2030, this would escalate to an additional £13 per month, resulting in an extra £156 per year. This increase comes on top of already rising energy bills, which have seen a significant surge this year. Critics argue that the additional financial burden on households may not be sustainable, especially given the effects of inflation on consumers' purchasing power.
Support and job creation
Water UK, the industry representative body, has stated that the proposed investment would help to secure the water supply amid a changing climate and a growing population. They also aim to double the number of households receiving support to pay their bills. Additionally, the plan is expected to create 30,000 new jobs and 4,000 apprenticeships, providing opportunities for employment and skills development.
Regulatory approval and consumer consultation
The plans will be subjected to scrutiny and approval by the regulator, Ofwat. Ofwat's role is to assess the proposed bill increase and ensure it is justified, efficient, and delivers significant improvements in water quality. The regulator has also emphasized the importance of considering the affordability of the proposed increase for customers. Customers and stakeholders will have the opportunity to offer their input and feedback during the consultation process over the coming months.
Helping customers save on water bills
As household expenses continue to rise, finding ways to save money on water bills becomes crucial. Simple measures such as taking shorter showers can significantly reduce water usage and result in savings on energy and water bills. Running appliances like dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full can also help save water and reduce expenses. Installing a water meter may be beneficial for households with low water usage, as it can provide more accurate billing. Water companies also offer free water-saving devices, and the Consumer Council for Water provides a free water meter calculator to help customers estimate potential savings.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/money/residents-fear-their-homes-could-be-next-as-80-newbuild-homes-are-bulldozed/
