SCOTTISH WATER WELCOMES COST AND PERFORMANCE REPORT

27th October 2009

Scottish Water today (27 Oct 2009) welcomed the report by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland, 'Cost and Performance 2008/09', which reports on the continued efficiency of the water utility.

Sheila Campbell-Lloyd, Scottish Water's Regional Manager for Highland & The Western Isles, said:

"The continued and sustained out-performance of cost targets has enabled us to keep charges to our customers in the Highlands and Western Isles steady as we work to provide one of the best value for money water and waste water services in the UK.

"Our household customers continue to enjoy an average household charge which is lower than eight of the companies south of the border."

CUSTOMER SERVICE TARGET BEATEN BY 13 PER CENT

The report comes at a time when customer service is improving. Scottish Water outperformed its target on customer service in 2008-09 by 13 per cent.

Richard Ackroyd, Chief Executive of Scottish Water, added:

"Scottish Water is determined to maintain this progress and continue to improve service to our customers.

"Our business and all our staff continue to put the customer at the heart of everything we do. We play an increasing role in the lives of our customers in communities across Scotland providing clearer, fresher drinking water, a greener environment and a strong commitment to good customer service."

INVESTING IN HIGHLAND & THE WESTERN ISLES

Scottish Water's 2010 Vision is delivering £200million of improvements in Highland and £58million in the Western Isles. Drinking water supplies are being upgraded, the environment is being better protected and economic development is being supported. At the same time local staff provide a 24/7 service and the average household water bill is being kept below £1 a day.