THE possible increased cost of water to households in Comet country has been revealed. Three Valleys Water today (Tuesday) published its final business plan for the period 2010 to 2015. It includes proposals to raise average water prices by 5.7 per cent a

THE possible increased cost of water to households in Comet country has been revealed.

Three Valleys Water today (Tuesday) published its final business plan for the period 2010 to 2015.

It includes proposals to raise average water prices by 5.7 per cent above inflation by 2015. This would mean that, before taking inflation into account, the average Three Valleys Water bill could rise from �161 in 2010 to �170 by 2015. The majority of the price increase is proposed to be next year.

The company's �456 million investment programme focusses largely on maintaining its pipe network, improving its resources and meeting tighter drinking water quality standards. Some of the proposed price increases relate to higher business rates, energy prices and pension costs.

This is the second stage in a price setting process which happens every five years. The regulator, Ofwat, will use the information published today to determine the maximum amount that Three Valleys Water will be allowed to raise prices between 2010 and 2015.

David Bland, chairman of the Consumer Council for Water in London and the South East, said: "Much of the work that Three Valleys Water is proposing fits in with consumers' priorities. The proposed overall price increase is higher than customers would have liked, but they are an improvement on the company's initial plans (of 11.5 per cent)."

A final decision on prices will be made later this year.

The Consumer Council for Water

Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B2 4AJ

Press Office: 0121 345 1005 or 1006