Welsh Water will give its three million customers power to influence how the company invests in future services.
The not-for-profit water and sewerage company doesn’t have shareholders but will allow customers to help the company board prioritise how financial gains, which are projected to be £30 million per year, are spent.
The 10—week consultation will offer a range of options for customers to choose from on the website including money off their water and sewerage bills, extra help for people who struggle to pay their bills, supporting educational and recreational projects in communities and investing more in pipes, pumps and water treatment works.
Welsh Water chief executive Chris Jones said: “This is an unparalleled move to give a real say over how we spend any returns we achieve – and reflects how our not-for-profit status is rooted in working with customers and for customers.
“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.”
Last month, the company announced it was investing an extra £32 million into its services in 2016, and to help lower-income homes after it recorded its best year in overall performance since becoming not-for-profit in 2001.
The consultation will be launched on 11 July and runs until 19 September.