Water utilities need incentives to invest in energy

Water utilities need more incentives to invest in the energy market, according to Thames Water. There are massive opportunities but companies need help to work towards a more “joined-up” approach, […]

Water utilities need more incentives to invest in the energy market, according to Thames Water.

There are massive opportunities but companies need help to work towards a more “joined-up” approach, said Martin Baggs, Chief Executive at Thames Water.

He told an audience at the Market Force and ASI Future of Utilities Conference today: “One of the byproducts of our treatment process is biogas. We use that to generate heat and power at some of our plants. As a result we saved £15million off our power bill. I’d like to see more projects like this, but we need more incentives.”

Linking water industry strategy was necessary because of market demands, added Mr Baggs: “We need a more joined up approach because water efficiency at the moment isn’t saving water, people don’t want meters.

“What’s driving water efficiency is energy efficiency. People are more concerned about the cost of heating the bath rather than actually filling it.”

Mr Baggs was giving a keynote address on how to unlock greater value for customers.

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