Thames Water has exceeded its target of customers signed up to its social tariff nine months ahead of its initial deadline.
The company had initially set a goal of having 82,000 customers on the tariff by March 2020 but a spokesman told Utility Week the figure was already at 85,000.
The firm’s ultimate ambition is to reach 200,000 by 2025, and the spokesman said Thames would do all it could to exceed this.
People on the social tariff can receive discounts of up to 50 per cent off their bill.
On the drivers for the success, the company said it was down to “a number of factors”, adding: “We’ve partnered with a wide range of charities and community organisations, including Age UK and Thames valley Police, which have then promoted the social tariff to their users. We’ve also started to directly work with customers who were previously paying housing associations, which means we have been able to identify those who should be on the social tariff.”
Thames has also committed to getting 410,000 people on its priority services register by 2025, where they will receive a personalised service to help with their needs while also having bottled water delivered to their home should there be a supply interruption.
Today saw celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the Thames Water Trust Fund, which has helped thousands of customers experiencing financial difficulties during that time.
Kelly Macfarlane, Thames Water’s customer experience director, said: “The trust fund is so important when it comes to helping those who are facing financial hardship and I’m really proud of the support it provides.
“Some of our customers can end up in financial difficulty, often through no fault of their own, so being able to turn to this fund can make a real difference.
“It’s been great to celebrate all the good that’s been done over the last decade and I’m looking forward to the next 10 years.”
The Trust Fund, which is managed by Auriga Services, helps a wide range of people, and is financed by Thames Water investors.
Linda Perham, chair of the trust fund, said: “The Thames Water Trust Fund is delighted to be celebrating a decade of supporting customers coping with hardship or disability of whom over 24,000 have applied for assistance.
“In that time, 67 grants have been awarded to over 30 organisations with a combined value of £2.6 million. This funding has created 63 jobs and more than 200 volunteering opportunities with services reaching over 30,000 people.”