New proposals could result in increased water bills across the UK to finance a potential £10 billion bailout for Thames Water.
According to The Telegraph, the government may implement new legislation allowing it to levy a charge on all water companies if it takes over Thames Water, which is grappling with substantial financial difficulties.
These costs would likely be passed on to consumers, leading to higher water bills.
Ministers have indicated that such measures would only be used as a last resort if no buyer can be found to take on Thames Water’s debts.
The company, which is over £15 billion in debt, has warned it may only have sufficient funds to operate until the end of May next year.
In August, Thames Water announced it might need to raise customer bills by nearly 60% by 2030.
Energy Live News has contacted the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for comment.
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