SOUTH East Water has applied for a retail licence to enable it to offer business customers a single bill for the supply of drinking water and disposal of waste water from April 1 next year when water companies will start competing in the business retail sector.

From that date, business customers will be able to buy water and waste water services in much the same way they currently do for their energy suppliers.

South East Water currently just supplies customers’ drinking water, and so it is applying to Ofwat, the water industry regulator, for a licence that will enable it to retail waste water service too, giving customers the choice of a single bill for both their water and waste water services.

South East Water Choice, the water company’s new brand for business customers, will deliver the new retail service propositions to customers, and will also be competing for new customers across the south east.

Newly-appointed managing director James Dubois said: “South East Water Choice will be offering customers a one-stop shop for water and waste water, making the buying experience more streamlined.

“Our aim is to provide greater value to customers through simplifying our services, as well as looking at a broad range of additional products and services that provide added benefits.

“We have a team at South East Water Choice who really know the needs of local businesses and will be continuing to talk to our customers to find more ways we can support the water needs of those across the south east.”