Thames Water is facing a potential investigation from the Pensions Regulator (TPR) after missing a statutory deadline at the end of June to value its company pension scheme. The Reading-based utility firm could run out of cash as soon as December.
The defined benefit scheme, which is no longer offered to current employees, has over £1bn in assets and provides payments to thousands of retired staff. Thames Water stated that any investigation or litigation by TPR "could place restraints on the financial resources available to [Thames Water] – and consequently the timeline available to complete the recapitalisation – potential returns to equity investors and further affect the investibility and financeability" of the company.
The company confirmed in its latest financial report in July that it has £515m in cash, with access to an additional £750m in backup funding if required. However, this is only expected to last until the fourth quarter of the year, meaning liquidity could run out by the end of 2026.
A Thames Water spokesperson said that TPR has been informed that Thames Water and the trustees of the Thames Water Pension Scheme have not yet agreed on the scheme’s latest triennial valuation within the statutory timeframe. They added that they remain in dialogue with the trustees and the regulator, prioritising scheme members' interests, and have not been notified of any investigation being opened.
Last month, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds rejected a proposed rescue deal from lenders that would have provided approximately £3.4bn in equity investment and £6.5bn in debt financing. Reynolds raised concerns that the deal might not leave water and wastewater systems "adequately protected."