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water provider in southern England has stated final 12 months’s record-breaking heatwave and different excessive climate value it round £17 million over the past monetary 12 months.
South East Water stated the fast response to the climate, resembling sourcing new water, value it some £6.6 million.
It incurred prices of one other £4.9 million repairing leaks and bursts in its pipe community, and on high of that it paid clients £5.5 million in compensation.
Extreme climate occasions have had a big affect on our efficiency previously 12 months
The utility firm stated on Monday: “Whilst we acknowledge that the climate is changing, we have seen an exceptional combination of extreme weather events this year that has significantly impacted on our business operations and financial performance.
“While we have done everything we can to meet the exacting performance targets and rigorous environmental commitments that go even beyond our statutory obligations, extreme weather events have had a significant impact on our performance in the past year.”
The enterprise stated it has handled the driest circumstances in Kent since information started in 1836, and the bottom rainfall in Sussex since 1911. On high of that, water demand was at an all-time excessive throughout the hotter weeks.
South East Water provides properties in Surrey , Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire.
The prices helped push it to a pre-tax lack of £74.2 million within the 12 months to the top of March, down from a revenue of £17 million a 12 months earlier. Revenue was up 2.5% to £257.5 million.
South East Water is dealing with difficulties once more this 12 months.
After the most popular June on file it has been pressured to impose a hosepipe ban on its clients in Kent and Sussex.
It comes amid a interval of stress on water corporations, which have been within the highlight over their dealing with of sewage.
Last week Thames Water managed to safe one other £750 million of funding, which helped it keep away from a possible collapse.
The firm’s debt has ballooned to round £14 billion over current years, which has grow to be particularly problematic as rates of interest soared.
