Water PR24 price redeterminations
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-01)

Ofwat has referred its 2024 price reviews (PR24) for 5 water companies to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for redetermination.

Administrative timetable

Published on 8 April 2025, in accordance with Rule 7 of Water References: Competition and Markets Authority Rules (CMA204) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-rules-and-guidance-for-water-references), and revised on 9 October and 1 December 2025. Any further revisions made to the timetable will be communicated to the main parties and published on this website.

Provisional determinations

20 October 2025: On 9 October 2025 the CMA published its provisional determinations. We have since identified 2 errors, as set out below (#amend).

9 October 2025: The CMA has issued its provisional determinations in relation to the 2025 to 2030 price controls to Ofwat, Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, South East Water, Southern Water and Wessex Water following a reference from Ofwat at the request of each company.

Summary of provisional determinations (PDF, 250KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e743b7750fcf90fa6fff78/Provisional_determinations___summary.pdf) (9.10.25)

Volume 1: Background chapters and base costs (PDF, 5.8MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c0d8cf65bd04bad766ef/PR24_PD_-_Vol_1__3.11.25_.pdf) (*) (9.10.25)

Volume 2: Enhancement costs (PDF, 2.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c0f5e5f463a62cb985e3/PR24_PD_vol_2.pdf) (9.10.25)

Volume 3: Outcomes (PDF, 2.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c1121c8b2a3b506907db/PR24_PD_vol_3_-_chapter_6.pdf) (9.10.25)

Volume 4: Allowed Return, Risk & Return and closing chapters (PDF, 3.5MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c1621c8b2a3b506907dc/PR24_PD_vol_4_-_chapter_7_to_10.pdf) (9.10.25)

Volume 5: Appendices and Glossary (PDF, 1.1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c17cb6ae95e3c76907c6/PR24_PD_vol_5_-_appendices_and_glossary.pdf) (**) (9.10.25)

(*) Table 4.3 (and the associated text)

incorrectly presents the catch-up efficiency challenge as 4.0% for wholesale water and 5.6% for wastewater. The correct values are 5.6% for wholesale water and 4.0% for wastewater – as reported in Table D.1 in Appendix D.

(**) Table D.3 in Appendix D

incorrectly reports the coefficient for the variable ‘Average volume per WTW (log)’ as -0.08277. The correct value for this coefficient is +0.08277. The Group will consider representations on the implications for the interpretation of the model in its final determinations, alongside other related submissions.
- Press release: Provisional redeterminations on water price controls issued (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/provisional-redeterminations-on-water-price-controls-issued) (9.10.25)
We invite views on our provisional determinations. The deadline for providing views is 5:30pm on Thursday 6 November 2025. The CMA reserves the right to reject any submissions made after the deadline.

Please send views to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Approach and prioritisation: call for views

28 May 2025: Having considered initial submissions and information from the disputing companies, Ofwat and third parties (including customer and investor groups), we are publishing this document to explain how we propose to approach the redeterminations, including in particular the issues we intend to prioritise and deprioritise.
- Water PR24 redetermination references – approach and prioritisation (PDF, 384KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6836bd365f8330ed48e72b24/PR24_Approach_and_Prioritisation.pdf) (28.5.25)
We invite views on our proposed approach and prioritisation to inform the focus of our work on the PR24 redeterminations. The deadline for providing views is noon on Wednesday 11 June 2025. The CMA reserves the right to reject any submissions made after the deadline.

Please send views to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Submissions from third parties

Submissions on the Approach and prioritisation
- Alan Sutherland (PDF, 103KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff1604734883ca9f79e5e/Alan_Sutherland_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (PDF, 322KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff18a29fb1002010c4e64/Consumer_Council_for_Water_Response_to_Approach.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Investors in South East Water (PDF, 925KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff1af9d538361ad2da712/Investors_in_South_East_Water_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Investors in Thames Water (PDF, 200KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff20306337b7382f79e5e/Investors_in_Thames_Water_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Thames Water (PDF, 176KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff3399d538361ad2da716/Thames_Water_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Water UK (PDF, 332KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff35377c424182b0c4e6b/Water_UK_Response_to_Approach.pdf) (16.6.25)
Submissions on the references and statements of case
- Alan Sutherland (PDF, 537KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813124a96fbee80400085f1/Alan_Sutherland__ex_WICS_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Blueprint for Water, part of Wildlife and Countryside Link (PDF, 236KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681312df0a8696a367e727d3/Blueprint_for_Water__part_of_Wildlife_and_Countryside_Link.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Cadent (PDF, 276KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131308c47c2060a912172d/Cadent.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce (PDF, 233KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681313460a8696a367e727d4/Cambridgeshire_Chamber_of_Commerce.pdf) (1.5.25)
- CBI (Anglian) (PDF, 269KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813139ce8156d34b0e727e4/CBI__Anglian_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- CBI (Northumbrian) (PDF, 324KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681313c9eb665b24fe0085d6/CBI__Northumbrian_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Citizens Advice (PDF, 214KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813169ee8156d34b0e727e5/Citizens_Advice.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (Anglian) (PDF 229KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681316e0c47c2060a912172e/Consumer_Council_for_Water__Anglian_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (Northumbrian) (PDF 281KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131703c47c2060a912172f/Consumer_Council_for_Water__Northumbrian_.pdf)) (1.5.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (PR24 WACC Review) (PDF, 2.7MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131741eb665b24fe0085d7/Consumer_Council_for_Water__PR24_WACC_Review_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (South East) (PDF 232KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813176396fbee80400085f2/Consumer_Council_for_Water__South_East_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (Southern) (PDF 263KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131784eb665b24fe0085d8/Consumer_Council_for_Water__Southern_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Consumer Council for Water (Wessex) (PDF 235KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681317a09d4e056731121719/Consumer_Council_for_Water__Wessex_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- CPP Investment (PDF, 404KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681317c40a8696a367e727d5/CPP_Investment.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Drinking Water Inspectorate (PDF, 2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681317fe0a8696a367e727d6/Drinking_Water_Inspectorate.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Durham Wildlife Trust (PDF, 66KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131829eb665b24fe0085da/Durham_Wildlife_Trust.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Energy Networks Association (PDF, 2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813196e0a8696a367e727d7/Energy_Networks_Association.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Future Energy Networks Association (PDF, 867KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131980e8156d34b0e727e9/Future_Energy_Networks_Association.pdf) (1.5.25)
- GIIA (PDF, 136KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681319b19d4e05673112171b/GIIA.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Groundwork North East and Cumbria (PDF, 202KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681319cec47c2060a9121731/Groundwork_North_East_and_Cumbria.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Investors in Thames Water (cover letter) (PDF, 296KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131a020a8696a367e727d8/Investors_in_Thames_Water__Cover_Letter_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Investors in Thames Water (fuller submissions) (PDF, 776KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131a2296fbee80400085f5/Investors_in_Thames_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
- KWR Water Research Institute (PDF, 212KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813455e7e56aaab3b5253e6/KWR_Water_Research_Institute.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce (PDF, 232KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131a6d96fbee80400085f6/Lincolnshire_Chamber_of_Commerce.pdf) (1.5.25)
- North East Chamber of Commerce (PDF, 283KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131a8cc47c2060a9121732/North_East_Chamber_of_Commerce.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Northumbria RFCC (PDF, 79KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131acbe8156d34b0e727ea/Northumbria_RFCC.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Northumbrian and Essex and Suffolk Water Forums (PDF, 79KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131af39d4e05673112171c/Northumbrian_and_Essex_and_Suffolk_Water_Forums.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Pennon (PDF, 265KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131b1b9d4e05673112171e/Pennon.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Severn Trent (PDF, 189KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131b490a8696a367e727db/Severn_Trent.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Anglian) (PDF, 217KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131b780a8696a367e727dc/Suffolk_Chamber_of_Commerce__Anglian_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Northumbrian) (PDF, 215KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131b9ce8156d34b0e727ec/Suffolk_Chamber_of_Commerce__Northumbrian_.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Tees Rivers Trust (PDF, 409KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131bc59d4e05673112171f/Tees_Rivers.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Thames Water (PDF, 2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131d2f0a8696a367e727df/Thames_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
- The Rivers Trust (PDF, 218KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131d0a0a8696a367e727de/The_Rivers_Trust.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Tyne Rivers Trust (PDF, 227KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131bec96fbee80400085f8/Tyne_Rivers.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Water UK (PDF, 1.8MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131c149d4e056731121720/WaterUK.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Wessex Water Customer Challenge Group (PDF, 289KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131c3aeb665b24fe0085dd/Wessex_Water_Customer_Challenge_Group.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Yorkshire Water (PDF, 199KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68131c65eb665b24fe0085df/Yorkshire_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
Main party submissions

Disputing companies’ views on the Approach and prioritisation
- Anglian Water: views on the Approach and prioritisation (PDF, 1.2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff1789d538361ad2da70f/Anglian_Response_to_Approach_and_Prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Northumbrian Water: views on the Approach and prioritisation (PDF, 232KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff2ab77c424182b0c4e6a/Northumbrian_response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- South East Water: views on the Approach and prioritisation (PDF, 262KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff2f401d3b0e7b62da710/South_East_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Southern Water: views on the Approach and prioritisation (PDF, 463KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff31001d3b0e7b62da711/Southern_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation_1.pdf) (16.6.25)
- Wessex Water: views on the Approach and prioritisation (PDF, 164KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6870be6e2557debd867cbfe1/Wessex_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation_updated_110725.pdf) (11.7.25)
Ofwat’s views on the Approach and prioritisation
- Ofwat: views on the Approach and prioritisation (PDF, 820KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684ff2de4734883ca9f79e66/Ofwat_Response_to_Approach_and_prioritisation.pdf) (16.6.25)
Selected reports provided by the main parties

Reports provided with or in response to the disputing companies’ statements of case, and referred to in the CMA’s provisional determinations:

Cepa, Supplementary evidence on the cost of equity (PDF, 454KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c655cf65bd04bad766f6/CEPA_Supplementary_evidence_on_the_cost_of_equity.pdf) (9.10.25)

KPMG, Estimating the cost of capital for PR24 (PDF, 9.2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c689cf65bd04bad766f7/KPMG_Estimating_the_Cost_of_Capital_for_PR24.pdf) (9.10.25)

KPMG PR24 cost of debt (PDF, 1.4MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c69fb6ae95e3c76907d2/KPMG_PR24_cost_of_debt_-_analysis_of_the_infrequent_issuer_premium.pdf) (9.10.25)

Kairos, PR24 Allowed return 2025 (PDF, 1.2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c66cb6ae95e3c76907d1/Kairos_PR24_Allowed_Return_2025.pdf) (9.10.25)

Mason, Robertson, Wright, A report on allowed return issues in disputing companies’ statements of case (PDF, 2.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c6bacf65bd04bad766f9/Mason__Robertson__Wright___A_report_on_allowed_return_issues_in_disputing_companies_statements_of_case__Apr_2025.pdf) (9.10.25)

Oxera Investability and Financeability in PR24 (PDF, 640KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c6cfb6ae95e3c76907d3/Oxera_Investability_and_Financeability_in_PR24.pdf) (9.10.25)

Oxera PR24 Cost of equity estimation (PDF, 1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c6eeb6ae95e3c76907d4/Oxera_PR24_Cost_of_equity_estimation.pdf) (9.10.25)

Oxera PR24 Cross-checks to CAPM estimation (PDF, 850KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68e7c7061c8b2a3b506907e8/Oxera_PR24_Cross-checks_to_CAPM_estimation.pdf) (9.10.25)

Disputing companies’ replies to Ofwat’s responses to statements of case
- Disputing companies’ joint reply to Ofwat’s responses (PDF, 421KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/683972849c65cc8cdbae6597/Disputing_companies__joint_reply_to_Ofwat_s_responses.pdf) (30.5.25)
- Anglian Water: reply to Ofwat’s responses (PDF, 533KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/683972719c65cc8cdbae6596/Anglian_Water_reply_to_Ofwat_s_responses.pdf) (30.5.25)
- Northumbrian Water: reply to Ofwat’s responses (PDF, 397KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839724d9c65cc8cdbae6595/Northumbrian_Water_reply_to_Ofwat_s_responses.pdf) (30.5.25)
- South East Water: reply to Ofwat’s responses (PDF, 390KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68397230c99c4f37ab4e86d4/South_East_Water_reply_to_Ofwat_s_responses.pdf) (30.5.25)
- Southern Water reply: to Ofwat’s responses (PDF, 463KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6839720bc99c4f37ab4e86d3/Southern_Water_reply_to_Ofwat_s_responses.pdf) (30.5.25)
- Wessex Water: reply to Ofwat’s responses (PDF, 159KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/683971eae0f10eed80aafb3b/Wessex_Water_reply_to_Ofwat_s_responses.pdf) (30.5.25)
Ofwat’s response to disputing companies’ submissions on other companies’ statements of case
- Ofwat 14 May 2025 response (PDF, 719KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6836bcd49c2ff625fff69343/Ofwat_14_May_2025_response.pdf) (28.5.25)
Disputing companies’ replies to other disputing companies’ statements of case
- Anglian Water: reply to other statements of case (PDF, 953KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681320780a8696a367e727e0/Anglian_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Northumbrian Water: reply to other statements of case (PDF, 3.2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681320cf0a8696a367e727e1/Northumbrian_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
- South East Water: reply to other statements of case (PDF, 325KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813210a9d4e056731121721/South_East_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Southern Water: reply to other statements of case (PDF, 2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813212aeb665b24fe0085e0/Southern_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Wessex Water: reply to other statements of case (PDF, 176KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813215aeb665b24fe0085e1/Wessex_Water.pdf) (1.5.25)
Ofwat’s responses to statements of case
- Overview of Ofwat’s responses to the statements of case (PDF, 2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681321c3c47c2060a9121736/Overview_of_Ofwat_s_responses_to_the_statements_of_case.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to common issues on expenditure allowances (PDF, 5.7MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6836bfd35f8330ed48e72b25/Ofwat_Response_to_Common_issues_on_expenditure_allowances_28_May_2025.pdf) (28.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to common issues on risk and return (PDF, 2.8MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6836bff83dd61280f46c0413/Ofwat_Response_to_Common_issues_on_risk_and_return_28_May_2025.pdf) (28.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to common issues on outcomes (PDF, 5MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68132225e8156d34b0e727ee/Common_issues_on_outcomes.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to Anglian Water’s statement of case (PDF, 689KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6836be223dd61280f46c0411/Ofwat_Response_to_Anglian_Water_s_statement_of_case.pdf) (28.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to Northumbrian Water’s statement of case (PDF, 7.7MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68132320eb665b24fe0085e5/Northumbrian_Water_s_statement_of_case.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to Southern Water’s statement of case (PDF, 16MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813234d0a8696a367e727e2/Southern_Water_s_statement_of_case.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to Wessex Water’s statement of case (PDF, 677KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813236d96fbee80400085fd/Wessex_Water_s_statement_of_case.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to South East Water’s statement of case (PDF, 9.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6813248e0a8696a367e727e3/South_East_Water_s_statement_of_case.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to expenditure allowances - cost adjustment claims (PDF, 10MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681324bfc47c2060a9121737/Expenditure_allowances_-_cost_adjustment_claims.pdf) (1.5.25)
- Ofwat: Response to expenditure allowances - addressing asset health (PDF, 961KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681324e396fbee80400085fe/Expenditure_allowances___addressing_asset_health.pdf) (1.5.25)
Notice of extension

The CMA has asked Ofwat for an extension of up to 6 months, which Ofwat has granted, given the nature and scale of the work involved in five water industry price control references and the associated procedural complexity.
- Notice of extension (PDF, 89 KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f3ef0b53505b2ca44eff42/Notice_of_extension.pdf) (8.4.25)
The CMA will endeavour to carry out the work in less than 12 months if possible.

Call for third party submissions

25 March 2025: The CMA is inviting submissions from third parties on the issues raised in the 5 Ofwat references (https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/water-pr24-price-redeterminations#references-from-ofwat) and statements of case of the 5 disputing companies, and any other issues that the CMA should consider as part of its redeterminations.

The deadline for these submissions is 5:30pm on Tuesday 22 April 2025. The CMA reserves the right to reject third party submissions made after the deadline.

Please send submissions to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Any further invitations for third party submissions and updates on the redetermination process will be published on this case page.

Disputing companies’ statements of case

The disputing companies submitted their statements of case, setting out their arguments and evidence, to the CMA on 21 March 2025. We have published the non-sensitive versions of their main submission documents:
- Anglian Water: statement of case (PDF, 8.0MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e17805c6194abe97358ceb/Anglian_Water_-_Statement_of_Case.pdf) (25.3.25)
- Northumbrian Water: statement of case (5.6MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e1784f64220b68ed6a702e/Northumbrian_Water_-_Statement_of_Case.pdf) (25.3.25)
- South East Water: statement of case (2.6MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e178324fed20c7f559f504/South_East_Water_-_Statement_of_Case.pdf) (25.3.25)
- Southern Water: statement of case (PDF, 8.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e177ad4fed20c7f559f502/Southern_Water_-_Statement_of_Case.pdf) (25.3.25)
- Wessex Water: statement of case (PDF, 4.6MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e177df4fed20c7f559f503/Wessex_Water_-_Statement_of_Case.pdf) (25.3.25)
Special reference group appointed

18 March 2025: the CMA has appointed a special reference group.
- Kirstin Baker (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/inquiry-chairs-biographies#kirstin-baker) (Chair)
- Ashleye Gunn (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#ashleye-gunn)
- Juliet Lazarus (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#juliet-lazarus)
- Paul Muysert (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#paul-muysert)
- David Thomas (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#david-thomas)
References from Ofwat

On 19 December 2024, Ofwat published its final determinations on the price review (https://www.ofwat.gov.uk/regulated-companies/price-review/2024-price-review/final-determinations/), which includes controls that limit what water companies can charge their customers in England and Wales for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2030.

6 water companies rejected Ofwat’s final determinations and asked Ofwat to refer them to the CMA for a redetermination. On 18 March 2025, Ofwat made 5 references to the CMA.

The references received from Ofwat are:
- Anglian Water: notice of reference (PDF, 1.1MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67da92c3a87d546feeda01e7/Anglian.pdf) (19.3.25)
- Northumbrian Water: notice of reference (PDF, 2.2MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67da9314a87d546feeda01ea/Northumbrian.pdf) (19.3.25)
- South East Water: notice of reference (PDF, 955KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68359ad53dd61280f46c03cc/South_East_Water_Notice_of_Reference_19_March_2025.pdf) (19.3.25)
- Southern Water: notice of reference (PDF, 3.7MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67da93bcb1857deda3da01d9/Southern.pdf) (19.3.25)
- Wessex Water: notice of reference (PDF, 2.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67da943491e6e049230283ca/Wessex.pdf) (19.3.25)
A timetable will be drawn up as soon as practicable following the appointment of the special reference group. Information on the timing and arrangements for submissions by third parties will also be published in due course. The references from Ofwat specify a 6-month timeframe for the CMA to produce its report on the references. This can be extended by Ofwat by up to a further 6 months following a request by the CMA where Ofwat is satisfied that there are special reasons to do so.

Further information

On 19 February 2025, following notification that Ofwat had been asked to refer disputed final determinations to the CMA, we published a blog post that explains our role (https://competitionandmarkets.blog.gov.uk/2025/02/19/cma-to-review-pricing-set-by-water-regulator).

Contacts

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For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, please see the CMA’s Personal Information Charter (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority/about/personal-information-charter).