Pharmacy-led health and beauty giant Boots retailer has applied to Ofwat for a Water licence and Sewerage Licence (WSSL) with a retail authorisation limited to self-supply.
With around 2000 stores and manufacturing facilities, including optician services , Boots has applied for a WSSL to enable it to provide retail services to itself and associated persons.
As a WSSL limited to self-supply, Boots will pay the wholesale prices that retailers pay to the water companies. It will not pay retail margin added by suppliers in the open water market and become a market participant.
The synopsis of the company’s business plan begins by saying that Boots recognises that energy management is a crucial part of everyday life, including water and has invested £20 million in technology to reduce consumption in stores such as replacing inefficient lighting.
According to the application, a WSSL would enable Boots to take advantage of further opportunities to build on works already undertaken with energy management. It will also “deliver Boots with visibility, data as well as a direct platform within the market” and will form “an integral part of continuing to manage energy resources efficiently and effectively.”
The application states:
“Boots considers having a self-supply service will enable it with the opportunity to take more control over its water usage and effluent discharge as it will be dealing directly with wholesalers to build on the success of its water programs.”
The retailer has entered a partnership agreement with Waterscan Ltd who will act as the managing agent for Boots. Waterscan will be responsible for the retail functions including meter reading, Central Market Operating System (CMOS) transactions, wholesaler management and finding further water efficiency savings. It will also provide technical support and services while the business will build on its key relationships with wholesalers and pay water and sewerage charges through the settlement process.
Deadline to make representations or objections with respect to the application and our proposal to modify the standard licence conditions is 5pm on 9 November 2022. Written letters should be sent
to Ofwat at Centre City Tower, 7 Hill Street, Birmingham, B5 4UA or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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