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Wilson meets Utility Regulator to discuss Water Determination

Thursday, 11 February 2010

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson held discussions today with the Utility Regulator to consider how NI Water can provide improved services while ensuring better value for money.

The meeting with the Regulator Iain Osborne and Utility Authority Chairman, Professor Peter Matthews focused on the recent publication of the NI Water and Sewerage Price Control Determination (PC10).

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "This was a very constructive meeting where we discussed the recent publication of the first NI Water and Sewerage Price Control Determination. This will have a significant and positive effect on NI Water and Sewerage Service delivery."

Mr Wilson stressed the need to ensure that the NI Water Company operate as efficiently as possible. This is the only way to achieve value for money for consumers and ensure that NI Water invest sufficiently in improving services and water quality. The Minister concluded: "Minimising NI Water’s operating costs will ensure value for money for both consumers and the public finances. Delivering the PC10 efficiency savings will ensure that water charging, when the DRD Minister brings his proposals to the Executive, will deliver the lowest possible bill to consumers."

Notes to editors:

  1. PC10 is the acronym for the price control process carried out by the Utility Regulator. It is NI Water’s first price control and is the core of the regulatory regime which seeks to ensure that the monopoly supplier acts in the interests of consumers by controlling costs and setting performance standards thereby providing value for money.
  2. PC10 determines what it should cost NI Water to deliver continuing investment and improved services over the three year period 2010-13, subject to the public expenditure allocation that will be set for the company by the NI Executive.
  3. Media enquires only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.