Sign in Subscribe
Farmers

South West Water Threatens to Cut Off Farm's Supply Despite Unpaid Bill

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Irene Parker, a 70-year-old farmer from Cornwall, has expressed her concern for the welfare of her Highland cattle after receiving a threatening letter from South West Water. The letter stated that the farm's water supply would be turned off due to an unpaid bill, but Irene claims that she had not received a bill and was told by the company that her account was in credit. Despite the confusion, the company's parent firm, Pennon Group, apologized for the stress caused to Irene and stated that the matter was being handled by Source for Business, the new retailer responsible for the farm's water supply.

Key Takeaways:

  • Irene Parker, a 70-year-old farmer from Cornwall, received a threatening letter from South West Water stating that her farm's water supply would be turned off due to an unpaid bill.
  • Despite claiming that her account was in credit, Irene received no apology or confirmation from the company regarding the potential cutoff.
  • The company's parent firm, Pennon Group, apologized for the stress caused to Irene and stated that the matter was being handled by Source for Business, the new retailer responsible for the farm's water supply.
  • Irene's Highland cattle herd, consisting of 13 cows and calves, drinks a significant amount of water, making the potential cutoff a serious concern.
  • The company's initial response to Irene's meter reading on April 4 was denied, with a statement claiming that nobody came to read the meter, which Irene disputes.
  • Irene has farmed 40 acres near Stithians for over 30 years and has been a customer of South West Water for an extended period.
  • The letter from Source for Business, which is part of Pennon Group, arrived several days after its date, adding to the confusion and stress for Irene.

Statistics:

  • Irene's farm has a water supply that services 18 cows and calves.
  • The average water consumption per cow per day is approximately 20-30 gallons.
  • Irene has farmed for over 30 years, accumulating significant knowledge and experience in the industry.
  • South West Water serves over 1.3 million households in the South West region.
  • Pennon Group has a turnover of £1.4 billion and employs over 2,000 staff.

Sources:

  • BBC News: "Farmer claims water company threatened to cut off supply"
  • Irene Parker: Interview with the BBC
  • Source for Business: Letter to Irene Parker, dated [no specific date mentioned]

Read more