All water companies have consented to two competition-based licence modifications under section 13 of the Water Industry Act 1991.
The first modification prohibits the companies from showing undue preference towards or undue discrimination against themselves, other water companies (including new appointees and variations), water supply and/or sewerage licensees or unlicensed third parties in relation to the provision of certain water and sewerage services.
The second modification places restrictions on the circumstances in which water companies can externally disclose or internally use information they are provided with in relation to the submission of bids to provide certain services or agreements for the adoption of infrastructure.
The modifications will come into effect on 1 April 2019, ahead of the greater role for markets and the increased participation of third parties envisaged in PR19 for 2020 onwards.