Ofwat seeks to shield pandemic-hit firms from payment chasing

Ofwat last week conducted a short consultation on its proposed amendment to the Customer Protection Code of Practice, to lock in protections for businesses coping with Covid-19 impacts.

CP-0006 provided that:

Premises are not disconnected for the non-payment of charges due to the pandemic. (Ofwat will also be putting forward changes to the Wholesale Retail Code which will address similar issues for self-supply licensees).

Retailers do not seek to recover any default interest for non-payment of invoices during a specified period which covers the outbreak of Covid-19.

Retailers do not seek to enforce non-payment of invoices against non household customers until Ofwat permits this.

The changes were due to be implemented on 8 April.