A virtual public meeting has been staged by Ofwat to get the views of customers and stakeholders on the draft decisions on business plans of the water companies in Wales 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, which follows similar sessions staged by Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy 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 were the challenges posed by population growth, climate change and ageing infrastructure upon water services.
In addition questions were fielded on leak prevention, the net zero challenge, smart meters, sewage pollution, the affordability of bills and funding for the transfer of supplies from Wales to England.
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 Welsh 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 for customers of the Welsh companies.”
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.
