SEVERN TRENT'S "GRADUAL" WATER BILL INCREASES - 43% INCREASE!

Wittonboy

Just had my latest ST water bill with a statement that they will be "gradually" increasing bills over the next 5 years.  My billing rate was 181.95p / M3 on the last bill and now 260.80p / M3 - a 43% increase!
When I asked for an explanation, here is the response"

"Thank you for your feedback and for raising your concerns. We understand how such a large increase can feel like anything but gradual, and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

The term “gradual” refers to the broader pricing strategy over the full five-year regulatory period, which includes both volumetric and fixed charges. While the increase in the volumetric rate this year is significant, it reflects adjustments needed to meet rising operational costs, infrastructure investments, and environmental obligations set by regulators. These changes are part of a wider plan approved by Ofwat, the industry regulator, to ensure long-term sustainability and service improvements.

We acknowledge that the impact of this year’s increase is substantial, and we’re committed to being transparent about future changes. At this stage, further increases are expected to be more moderate and the hope is that by increasing charges as much as we have done this year, that for the next 5 years charges will remain much more stagnant and steady with regards to increase".

Have Ofwat actually agreed a 43% increase?!

Chris.

elsien

They’ve actually agreed to closer to a 47% increase before inflation for Severn Trent. 

https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Notification-of-the-PR24-final-determination-of-price-controls-for-Severn-Trent-Water.pdf