Water firms try to shed greed image

Article Abstract:

North West Water's decision to pay out a special dividend every year for the next five years and to make a payment to every customer in its area reflects growing concern among water companies about their negative public image. The water industry has gained a reputation for greed, with prices having risen sharply in real terms over recent years and service not improving. If other companies follow North West Water's example, Ofwat may have to re-open the price review process.

Prices and rates

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Energising the market - at whose expense?

Article Abstract:

The UK's 12 privatised electric utilities have become keenly contested takeover targets recently. This has caused embarrassment for the government. as some doubts have begun to be raised about the government's judgement in selling these companies off cheaply in 1990 and about the effectiveness of a regulatory system which has allowed these companies to make such large profits. In the long term, consumers may benefit as competition becomes more intense.

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Consumers face a long wait for a share in savings

Article Abstract:

North West Water is trying to persuade investors that they should support its planned purchase of Norweb by pointing out that the deal would allow rationalisation and thus lead to cost reductions. It acknowledges that the City would benefit first from these savings, rather than consumers. For the first five years after the planned merger, shareholders would receive higher dividends, but customer bills would only start to fall from 2000.

Planning, Norweb PLC

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