Regent Gas subsidiary Regent Water has become the first energy firm to receive a water retail licence, which will allow it to participate in the open water market.
Ofwat confirmed yesterday (16 February) that it had granted the company a water supply and sewerage licence (WSSL), bringing the total number of companies licensed to operate in the market to 16. A further eight have applied.
First licences were granted at the beginning of October. Successful applicants were: Anglian Water Business; Castle Water; Clear Business Water; Kelda Retail – now part of Three Sixty – Northumbrian Water Business, Severn Trent and United Utilities, on behalf of Water Plus; South Staffs Water Business; SES Business Water; and Water 2 Business – a joint billing venture between Wessex Water and Bristol Water.
A few energy suppliers has expressed tentative interest in the water market. Yu Energy, D-Energi, Xcel Energy and Corona Energy have all told Utility Week they do have plans, while BES Utilities, Flogas and Robin Hood Energy said “maybe”.
However, the majority remain unconvinced about the opportunities that currently exist, and refuse to commit to any sort of plan.