The Utility Regulator has published its independent assessment of how Northern Ireland Water Limited (NI Water) has performed in the company’s first three years of operation and compares the company’s performance with other water and sewerage companies across the UK.
The Utility Regulator’s Cost and Performance Report on NI Water identifies that while progress has been made, more needs to be achieved to ensure consumers receive value for money services.
Iain Osborne, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator said:
“As the independent economic regulator, our role is to ensure that water and sewerage consumers receive value for money services. The Cost and Performance Report provides a method for us to measure how well efficiency targets are being met, the quality of service provided and the company’s financial performance.
“Our independent assessment is that NI Water has achieved real progress in its first three years of operation.
“During 2007-2010, the company largely met enhanced efficiency targets for operational expenditure*, improved its rating for overall performance and level of service provided* and delivered the highest ever drinking water quality in 2009.
“The operational efficiency gap between NI Water and English and Welsh companies has been reduced from 49% to 40%. Whilst this shows a reduction has been achieved, it also highlights the need for a decrease in costs by 40% if NI Water is to become as efficient.
“The company must also focus on improving its data and the quality of information it holds. We have acknowledged that progress has been made in this area, but we will continue to work with the company to ensure commitments made to us are met.”
“NI Water was over budget by £0.3million. Within economic regulation, the rating is referred to as the Overall Performance Assessment score.
ENDS
For further information, contact Adele Boyle on 028 9031 6343 or 07794 965922.
Notes to Editors
- The Utility Regulator (Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation) is the independent non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the electricity and gas industries and water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.
- The Cost and Performance Report assesses NI Water’s performance against targets set in the company’s Strategic Business Plan 2007-2010. The targets were set prior to the Utility Regulator’s appointment as water regulator (before 1 April 2007) and were agreed between DRD and NI Water, in consultation with the Drinking Water Inspectorate for NI, and the NI Environment Agency.
- NI Water’s Strategic Business Plan 2007-2010 set out the allowed revenue, associated efficiency targets and key performance indicators for the company in its first three years.