Southern Water has committed to an initiative intended to provide further support to the retail water market.
Earlier this year safety, engineering and technology provider Lloyd's Register (LR) launched a new Accredited Entity scheme for disconnections and metering activity, in a bid to further help encourage competition in the UK water services market.
As part of an ongoing process to introduce competition, Lloyds operate the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS) on behalf of water utility companies.
The Water Industry Registration Scheme - Accredited Entity (WIRSAE) has been developed to allow companies, who fulfil the scheme requirements, to become registered as accredited WIRSAE Providers. WIRSAE Providers are referred to as Accredited Entities in the Wholesale Retail Code.
Southern Water recognises the Water Industry Accredited Entity Scheme (WIRSAE) to allow retailers, operating in its area, the opportunity to undertake temporary disconnection and reconnection activities in line with the market codes and the requirements of the scheme.
To carry out the activities, retailers or their nominated service providers will need to be certified as an accredited entity. The Southern Water scheme will be administered by Lloyd's Register who will carry out the initial accreditation assessments, certification and on-going monitoring on behalf of the utility.
Southern, one of seven wholesale water companies who recognise AE status – the others are Affinity, Anglian, Bristol, Severn Trent, Thames and Wessex Water - described the scheme as "very much needed to support the UK's retail water market."
Ben Day, Retailer Relationship Manager said:
"This is a great opportunity for retailers to pick a service partner they wish to work with or become accredited themselves. We hope this will provide our retailers with greater operational choice and flexibility to enhance their customers' journey."
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