Welsh Water says it will give its three million customers a chance to voice their opinions on how the company should invest in services in the future.

The non-profit water and sewerage firm does not have shareholders but will permit customers to offer views on how the company board should prioritise the spending of the company’s financial gains, which are forecast to be £30 million next year.

The consultation process will last for 10 weeks and will offer various options for customers to choose from on the organisation website, including money off water and sewerage bills, more help for those who are struggling to pay their bills, investing in more pumps and water treatment works and support for educational and recreational schemes in communities.

Chris Jones, Chief Executive at Welsh Water, said that the move is an unparalleled one as it gives people a real say in how they should spend any returns they achieve, which he believes reflects how their non-profit status is rooted in its work with customers and for customers.

He added: “As we do not have any shareholders, we reinvest money in our network, support our customers and embed innovation to keep our service modern, efficient and at an affordable price.”

The water supplier announced last month that it was to invest a further £32 million into its services in 2016, along with helping lower income homes after is recorded its best year in overall performance since it became non-profit in 2001. The consultation will be launched on July 11 and will run through until September 19.

Last month, Welsh Water’s Head of Energy, Mike Pedley, said that “Companies need to be prepared to use their assets as flexibly as possible.”

He believes that the company should provide a service that not only benefits themselves but also the country in general.