WICS locks in 30% investment hike for Scottish Water
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) has locked in, as part of its final determination for Scottish Water for 2021-7, investment up 30% on 2015-21 to £4.5bn, to maintain service resilience, tackle climate change impacts and transition to net zero emissions.
As in its October draft determination, the Commission explained this would necessitate a charge increase for customers of 2% a year above inflation, approximately £9 a year.
The final determination was largely in line with the draft though took account of developments since. Notably, in the final Principles of Charging and Final Objectives for the water sector published last Monday, the Scottish Government increased the affordability discount available to 35% and broadened the coverage available so that more customers will be eligible for this assistance. WICS explained this means that charges for those in receipt of the full support will see price increases below inflation over the 2021-27 period.
Since the drafts, WICS has also confirmed the measures it put in place to assist non-household customers will be extended until February.
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