Businesses
Network Access Code and WSSLs
Retail competition was introduced in December 2005, through the Water Supply Licensing (WSL) regime (for water only). From 1st April 2017 the WSL regime was replaced by the new Water Supply and Sewerage Licensing (WSSL) regime.
This allows new entrants to compete and provide certain water services. There are two types of WSSL:
1. A WSSL with retail authorisations allows a retailer to purchase water and sewerage services from an existing Water Company such as Severn Trent at wholesale prices and sell on to eligible customers. Download our wholesale charges PDF
2. A WSSL with wholesale authorisations allows a third party to sell water from its own source to an eligible customer, using the supply system of an existing company (Severn Trent). A link to our Indicative Combined Access Prices can be found at the bottom of this page.
To facilitate the WSSL process, two key documents have been created in accordance with the Water Act 2003 and in compliance with Ofwat’s guidance:
- Network Access Code - this sets out the arrangements and conditions for introducing water into our water supply network.
- Compliance code to comply with Licence Condition - this code sets out how we will manage our dealings with competitors to comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.
Eligibility
From 1st April 2017 all non-household customers are eligible to choose which licensed retail company supplies their water services. Eligibility guidance is published by Ofwat and more information on the new market can be found on the Open Water website.
Insets
Historically, water companies have been able to offer water and water recycling services to large industrial or commercial customers and developers of greenfield sites outside their regional boundaries through the creation of what are known as ‘inset appointments’. The company is responsible for customer service, billing and the maintenance of its supply network.
An Inset Appointee is an entrant who can provide these services to a specific area (e.g. housing development) in place of a Water Company or in the absence of a provider.
For further information on competition in water, please contact:
Wholesale Market Unit
Severn Trent Centre
2 St John’s Street,
Coventry
CV1 2LZ
Email: RetailerAccountManagement@severntrent.co.uk
Email: NAVenquiries@severntrent.co.uk (for inset / NAV enquiries only)
Documents
Want to know more about competition in water? Get in touch.
Wholesale Market Unit, Severn Trent Centre, 2 St John’s Street, Coventry CV1 2LZ.