Menu
19/07/2006
Water company to face fines over customer service
Thames Water could face hefty fines from UK water regulator Ofwat for failing to meet adequate levels of customer service.
The firm stands to receive fines of up to £140m for irregularities in records relating to consumer standards, which means the company has failed to reach regulatory standards.
The errors, which were reported to Ofwat earlier this year, have come to light a fortnight after Thames Water escaped a penalty for not meeting annual targets to reduce water leakage. The company, which recently reported a 31% increase in profits and bonuses for some executives, instead pledged to invest an extra £150m over the next five years to replace aging parts of the pipe network.
Speaking in response to the development, Philip Fletcher, chairman of the Water Services Regulation Authority, stated: "From the evidence we have seen it is clear that Thames Water has failed to meet performance standards.
“The failures were within the company's control, and some customers have not received the standard of service to which they are entitled. As a result, customers' interests have been damaged."
Ofwat is currently carrying out a thorough examination of Thames Water's customer service performance, and it is thought that Thames Water will move to reimburse householders who have been affected by any mishandling of their bills. Accountancy firm Ernst and Young will also carry out an independent review of the situation, before Ofwat announces the level of the fines.
(CL)
The firm stands to receive fines of up to £140m for irregularities in records relating to consumer standards, which means the company has failed to reach regulatory standards.
The errors, which were reported to Ofwat earlier this year, have come to light a fortnight after Thames Water escaped a penalty for not meeting annual targets to reduce water leakage. The company, which recently reported a 31% increase in profits and bonuses for some executives, instead pledged to invest an extra £150m over the next five years to replace aging parts of the pipe network.
Speaking in response to the development, Philip Fletcher, chairman of the Water Services Regulation Authority, stated: "From the evidence we have seen it is clear that Thames Water has failed to meet performance standards.
“The failures were within the company's control, and some customers have not received the standard of service to which they are entitled. As a result, customers' interests have been damaged."
Ofwat is currently carrying out a thorough examination of Thames Water's customer service performance, and it is thought that Thames Water will move to reimburse householders who have been affected by any mishandling of their bills. Accountancy firm Ernst and Young will also carry out an independent review of the situation, before Ofwat announces the level of the fines.
(CL)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 June 2006
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
Thames Water misses target on reducing leaks
Thames Water has missed its target for reducing leaks for the third consecutive year, it has been revealed. The water firm had a target, set by water regulator Ofwat, of losing no more than 860 million litres of water per day. However, the company missed its target by 34 m l/d. However, Thames Water also announced a 31% rise in profits to £346.
13 March 2006
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
Thames Water announces hosepipe ban
Britain's largest water company, Thames Water, has announced that it will introduce a hosepipe ban, amid growing fears that the south east of England could face a drought this summer. Around eight million customers in the Thames Water area will be affected by the ban, which will ban the use of hosepipes and sprinklers from April 3.
28 September 2007
Thames Water Fined £12.5 Million
Thames Water has been fined a total of £12.5 million by industry regulator Ofwat, it has been revealed. Ofwat said that the company had been fined for failing to provide it with "robust information" and because poor processes and systems meant that customers received poor service.
Thames Water Fined £12.5 Million
Thames Water has been fined a total of £12.5 million by industry regulator Ofwat, it has been revealed. Ofwat said that the company had been fined for failing to provide it with "robust information" and because poor processes and systems meant that customers received poor service.
04 July 2006
No leakage fine for Thames Water
Thames Water has escaped being fined by regulator Ofwat for failing to meet its targets on leakage reduction. However, Ofwat has ordered the firm to invest a further £150 million in order to reduce leaks. Thames Water had been facing the prospect of being fined £140 million. The news is likely to lead to criticism of Thames Water.
No leakage fine for Thames Water
Thames Water has escaped being fined by regulator Ofwat for failing to meet its targets on leakage reduction. However, Ofwat has ordered the firm to invest a further £150 million in order to reduce leaks. Thames Water had been facing the prospect of being fined £140 million. The news is likely to lead to criticism of Thames Water.
01 March 2006
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
Water firm to introduce meters
A water company in the south east of England has been given permission to install compulsory water meters in homes. Folkestone and Dover Water Services was granted "water scarcity status", which will allow it to force all 65,000 homes in its service area to install meters.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
