Ofwat publishes climate adaptation report

28 Jul 2016 02:08 PM

Ofwat has yesterday (27 July) published its latest climate adaptation update report, setting out changes and progress since PR14, and explaining current and future plans to adapt to the impact of climate change.

Since its last update, Ofwat has established and consulted with an independent Task and Finish group, to provide challenge on promoting resilience across the sector. Ofwat has also taken steps to better align the PR19 process with the next round of water Resource Management Plans in England and Wales.

The regulator is working with stakeholders on the appropriate mix of common and bespoke outcomes (including asset health and leakage) and the role of customer engagement in those issues.

It is also working with the UK Regulators Network climate adaptation sub-group to share knowledge and best practice.

Ofwat has set out plans to work with with the National Infrastructure Commission to ensure the evidence base for future water and wastewater need is robust and to work with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to try to align the timetable for PR19 with the next round of River Basin Management Plans.

Nicci Russell, director of Strategy and Planning at Ofwat, said:

“Over recent years, we have evolved our climate adaptation approach to put in place the right incentives and safeguards to encourage innovative, efficient and sustainable behaviour. We have also put the emphasis on water companies to understand how climate change might impact on the services customer and wider society value, and to respond to that.

“We know we cannot tackle this in isolation and so have worked with all stakeholders, and formed dedicated groups to help drive new thinking. It is important that we challenge ourselves and the sector to keep this issue front of mind and explore inventive and practical ways to deliver in the interests of customers and the environment.”