A WATER watchdog body has promised to keep a close eye on services provided by the new North West joint water and electricity company United Utilities.
The Office of Water Services (Ofwat) says it will liaise regularly with its counterpart, the electricity regulator Offer, to make sure customers are not exploited.
Ofwat's customer service committee will also put pressure on the new company to continue North West Water's practice of sharing efficiency savings with customers through cash rebates.
Committee chairman Anthony Goldstone said: "Powerful licence amendments have been introduced by Ofwat to strengthen customer protection.
"My committee will be working hard to ensure that customers get the best possible service and that shareholders are not the only ones to benefit from the merger."
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