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The 2004 Price Review – Plans in Progress‘A Good Deal for Water’ – South West Water Comments
Commenting on the joint report published today by the Environment Agency and English Nature as part of the ongoing process to set water prices for the years 2005 to 2010, Bob Baty, South West Water's Chief Executive re-affirmed the company's objective to seek a realistic balance between levels of investment and customer affordability.  The 2004 Price Review – Plans in Progress "As a result of well over £1billion investment in sewerage services alone since 1989, the region has the highest quality bathing waters in the UK and more miles of good quality river water than any other part of the country - an environmental transformation. "We believe that future investment to meet higher environmental standards should maintain the major environmental improvements that we have achieved and ensure we meet all new clearly defined statutory obligations. However, where there is discretion careful account should be taken of the costs, benefits and timing of any new requirements to ensure that customer charges do not have to increase more than is really necessary. "South West Water is fully committed to continue to build on the environmental achievements so far, but it must be at a level and pace that is affordable to our customers", said Mr Baty. In summary, South West Water's Draft Business Plan submitted to the regulator Ofwat in August, along with those of all other water companies, identifies the following anticipated obligations for 2005 to 2010: A reduced, but significant, waste water environmental improvement programme following the completion of the 'Clean Sweep' coastal sewage clean-up programme in 2005. Increased levels of capital maintenance expenditure - to maintain many new sewage treatment systems around the coast and also increase maintenance of older water and sewerage networks. Meeting customer concerns through targeted programmes to deal with odours at sewage treatment works and sewage flooding. Higher running costs, including Environment Agency charges, business rates, insurance, climate change levy and corporation tax changes. The Periodic Review is still in its early stages and will not be concluded until November 2004. ENDS For further information please contact Stephen Swain, Communications Manager on 01392 443022 or Dina Chandler, Communications Officer on 01392 443021. Published: 12 September 2003 |
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