Ofwat publish new water connection charges

8 Dec 2016 07:48 PM

Ofwat yesterday published new rules to make the charges for new water connections to housing developments fairer, simpler and clearer.

The new approach, which applies in England, marks a significant change and is expected to deliver major benefits to developers and other customers.

As part of the new rules, water companies will offer more fixed charges, giving developers greater clarity and visibility over costs. They also make sure that developers won’t pay for pre-existing issues and only pay on a pro-rata basis for assets that benefit a wider set of customers.

There will also be more effective competition from self-lay and new appointees which can drive down costs and improved service and choice.

The changes could result in faster connections, because water companies will be able to set charges which are simpler and quicker to calculate and for which developers can more easily and accurately plan.

The new rules will come into effect in April 2018, a year later than proposed in the consultation. This is to allow the industry enough time to plan for the transition.

Commenting on the new rules, David Black, Senior Director at Ofwat, said:

“Water companies provide a vital service for new housing development. That is why we are leading the way in reforming the charging structures to connect new sites to the water network.

“These new rules give developers more clarity and certainty and are fairer for all. What’s more, they could result in developments progressing more quickly – which is good news for everyone.

“Throughout our recent consultation, we heard widespread agreement about where we are trying to get to, but there was some concern that we are pushing ahead too quickly. We have listened to those concerns and built in an extra 12 months into the change process.”

In addition to the new rules, Ofwat has established transitional arrangements to safeguard business cases for any existing developments.