London’s embattled water supplier, Thames Water could face failure even after a £1bn cash injection from shareholders, the UK industry watchdog has warned.
Regulator Ofwat has warned the cash injection would only last until March 2025, after reports emerged last week that the UK’s largest water supplier was on the brink of collapse due to hefty debts.
“They’ll need to raise further equity to de-gear the business and further equity to address any remaining issues with performance and their turnaround. The billion we’re talking about is getting them through the current financial period,” Ofwat boss David Black told a House of Lords committee on Tuesday.
Ofwat also admitted to previous failures in regulating the UK’s water sector, with Black suggesting more should have been done to prevent the likes of Thames from seeking funds from lenders rather than shareholders.
Thames has hit trouble after accumulating some £14bn worth of debt, leaving previous owner Macquarie in the firing line over previous dividends while it became highly geared.
The debt now represents 80% of Thames’ £18.95bn regulatory capital value, having grown from £3.2bn to £10.5bn under Macquarie’s 11-year ownership.
“Turning the clock back, I think we should have stepped in [...] to stop companies gearing up,” Black continued, arguing Ofwat had less power in 2006 when Macquarie bought Thames Water.
Whether Thames will even be granted the initial £1bn by shareholders remains to be seen meanwhile, with Black adding some were “concerned” over a proposed turnaround plan.