Other stories from last week

(by Karma Loveday)

Ofwat has confirmed that Wessex Water will fund an £11m enforcement package after the company failed to operate, maintain and upgrade its wastewater network adequately. The decision follows a November consultation. 

Thames Water has agreed a five-year Power Purchase Agreement with RWE to source renewable electricity from an onshore wind farm in Scotland. This will supply up to 15% of Thames Water’s power requirement and contribute to its use of 100% renewable electricity. 

Ofwat has made recommendations to Welsh ministers on the Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS) for water companies whose areas are wholly or mainly in Wales. The GSS sets out the minimum standards of service that customers should receive, and the minimum payments that customers should receive if those standards are not met.

Ofwat has published guidance on how water companies must, from 1 April 2026, ensure board directors are fit and proper, following the introduction of new rules under the Water Special Measures Act. There are standards for honesty and integrity, knowledge and experience, and financial soundness to carry out their responsibilities. 

MOSL has announced the successful completion of the Bilaterals Transaction Programme, smoothing interactions between wholesalers and retailers in the non-household market. 

Under code change CPM065, which Ofwat approved for implementation on 5 January, MOSL will extend its role in administering funds awarded through Ofwat competitions. The market operator already performed this role for the Innovation Fund, up to 2025. MOSL will now administer the PR24 Innovation Fund and new Water Efficiency Fund. 

Portsmouth Water reported that it has supported six environmental projects across its supply area in 2025, contributing £63,000 through its Biodiversity Grant Scheme to help enhance habitat

connectivity between its sites. Activities included improving chalk grassland, restoring ponds and planting new hedgerows.

Yorkshire Water has reached the milestone of installing 100,000 smart meters across its region. 1.4m meters are due to be replaced with smart technology by 2030. 

Pennon Group secured an A rating for climate, earning a place on the Carbon Disclosure Project’s A-List and putting Pennon in the top 4% of companies worldwide. Pennon also received an A- score for water stewardship, recognising leadership in protecting water quality and the natural environment.

UK Water Industry Research has released the latest version of its Carbon Accounting Workbook, providing companies with the consistent, science-backed data needed for accurate emissions reporting and critical decarbonisation strategies.