New measures to support business customers who may face difficulties with water charge payments have been developed by Scottish Water, the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) and the Central Market Authority (CMA).

The measures are designed to reduce the economic impact of Covid19.

From 1 April, Scottish Water will relax pre-payment arrangements for wholesale water charges on Licensed Providers who supply water to businesses in Scotland - worth about £60 million. This will give Licensed Providers the flexibility they need to support their customers.


In a letter to all Licensed Providers setting out the measures, Roseanna Cunningham, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform said: "Licensed providers will have the flexibility needed to engage with customers in Scotland and to respond positively to their circumstances. The interests of customers in Scotland are of paramount importance and in responding to these measures the Scottish Government look to all licensed providers to give that the absolute priority."

There are 30 licensed providers in the Scottish retail market. They provide retail services to business customers. Scottish Water is the wholesale provider of water and wastewater. The market is regulated by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS) and overseen by the Central Market Authority (CMA).

(MH/JG)