Laundry firm Berendsen has applied to Ofwat for a self-supply licence which would allow it to provide water retail services to its 32 sites, and associated persons.
Berendsen said, in its application, that it believes having a self-supply licence will enable it to take more control over its own water use, deal directly with the suppliers and build on the success of its water programme.
The company has entered into a partnership agreement with Waterscan to take on the role and responsibilities for the retail functions including meter reading, CMOS transactions, wholesaler management and finding further water efficiency savings.
Waterscan will act as the managing agent for Berendsen and provide technical support and services while the business will build relationships with wholesalers and pay water and sewerage charges through the settlement process. The partnership will take the form of a contractual agreement between the parties and has been submitted as part of the licence process.
Berendsen is the eighth organisation to apply for such a licence.
Brewer Greene King, hospitality firm Whitbread, brewery and pub retailer Marston’s, Coca Cola European Partners, and Blackpool Council have all been granted licences. Stonegate, and Heineken are waiting to see if they have been successful.