The Utility Regulator has published its Cost and Performance Report - an independent assessment of how Northern Ireland Water Limited (NI Water) has performed during 2011-12. The report identifies continuing progress by the water company and includes an assessment of how well efficiency targets are being met, the quality of service provided and the company’s financial performance.
Jo Aston, the Utility Regulator’s Director of Water Regulation said:
“As the independent economic regulator of NI Water, our job is to protect the interests of water and sewerage consumers and ensure that they receive value for money services. Our Cost and Performance Report shows that NI Water is continuing to develop as a regulated company, while making good progress against its targets.
“During 2011-12, and for the second year running, NI Water out-performed its operational efficiency target, set in PC10* , while at the same time improving levels of service. It also invested £192 million to maintain its assets and improve quality and service standards, whilst also providing additional capacity for growth. The company also performed well against key service and output measures, achieving its best performance to date in both drinking water and wastewater quality. Its targets for reducing leakage and pollution incidents were also outperformed.
“NI Water continues to improve its efficiency position when compared with English and Welsh companies. However, for every £1 spent by the benchmarked company, NI Water spends £1.62. We will continue to work with NI Water to improve its efficiency and close the gap between it and companies in England and Wales.
“Following our report into the freeze/thaw event of 2010-11, we made 53 recommendations to NI Water. They have made good progress with these, and by March 2012, had completed 40 short-term actions against a target, for the year, of 41.”
* PC10 is the name of the price control for 2010-2013.