Severn Trent has received regulatory endorsement to invest £565m in a Green Recovery programme to support the UK’s economic bounce back and to create 2,500 jobs across the Midlands Region.
The industry regulator Ofwat challenged all water companies to support the UK’s green recovery post-pandemic. This plan will give Severn Trent the opportunity to deliver additional long-term growth, with new investment over the next four years supporting it’s own ESG ambitions.
The work will include several innovative trials and firsts in the UK with projects to:
Liv Garfield, Severn Trent chief executive, said:
"We’re really pleased by Ofwat’s endorsement of our ambitious green recovery plans. Whilst we still need to go through the finer details of the announcement, we’re delighted that Ofwat shares our enthusiasm for this impressive range of proposals, which we believe will benefit all our customers."
"Our communities, and the environment they care about, are at the heart of what we do. The Green Recovery programme is a key element in the Government’s plans to get the nation back on its feet and improve the environment."
"This investment into our region will see us lead the way by delivering a number of UK firsts. What’s more, we will also be creating 2,500 jobs in the Midlands at a time when increasing employment, and getting people back into work, is vital for our region."
"We’ll be accelerating our capital spend to deliver these impressive plans and to achieve our existing commitments earlier. Together with our Green Recovery programme, the investments we are making will play a significant role in providing communities with the confidence that the Midlands can bounce back better than before."
Severn Trent expects no material changes to the draft determination, Ofwat is now entering a consultation period until the 9th June with a final decision to be issued in July 2021. Full details of the Severn Trent proposal can be found at: www.stwater.co.uk/content/dam/stw/regulatory-library/life-beyond-the-pandemic-customer-overview.pdf