The third quarter of 2017 saw the largest number of switches of water and wastewater supplier since the retail water market opened, data published today by market operator MOSL reveals.
The report breaks down, for the first time, the differences between the regions, with businesses in the south and south east of England having the highest levels of switching activity.
The retail water market, which launched on 1 April 2017, allows eligible non-household customers in England to choose their water and wastewater supplier. Today’s report shows that over 30,000 switches took place between October and December 2017, taking the total number of switches since market opening to 91,960. It also shows there have been further entrants, competing in the market, providing ever greater choice for customers.
Ofwat Senior Director, Emma Kelso said:
“We have seen a steady increase in businesses switching water supplier or renegotiating with their existing provider since the market opened in April 2017.
“The third quarter figures are promising and we hope to see businesses continuing to take advantage of the opportunities they now have.
“We are now seeing more self-suppliers and national retailers entering the market, which is encouraging. This offers customers all over England more choice for their water supplier as retailers are not restricted to specific regions.
“However, Ofwat is continuing to monitor how the market is developing and is in the process of carrying out insight work with businesses across England to find out how the market is working for them. With this, we are continuing to work with colleagues across the industry to ensure that the business water market works efficiently and remains fit for the future.”
-ENDS-
Notes for Editors:
- MOSL is the market operator for the non-household water market in England https://www.mosl.co.uk/
- MOSL’s switching data refers to supply points rather than customer numbers. One customer could have a site with a number of different water and waste water supply points.
- Further information on the water retail market can be found here: http://www.open-water.org.uk
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