United Utilities to cut power bill by tapping energy from low carbon sources

UK based United Utilities Group is planning to invest £100m in low-carbon power generation technology over a period of five years.

The water utility company looks to cut down its energy needs by sourcing electricity from solar energy, wind energy and waste generated biogas.

United Utilities is looking to double the amount of energy it taps, from low-carbon sources to 35% from present level.

United Utilities Group CEO Steve Mogford told Bloomberg: "We use a lot of electricity so we put a lot of effort into reducing our power costs.

"We recognize that what we have got is a lot of sludge produced by the business, which is ‘black gold’ that can be used in energy creation.”

The company has a sludge recycling centre located at it Davyhulme facility in Greater Manchester, powered by human waste. The facility generates enough energy to meet the needs of 25,000 homes.

The company reportedly handles the sewage of 1.2 million people in Manchester, and excess power generated is supplied to UK grids.

United Utilities currently serves 200,000 businesses and 7 million people and has already invested £869m to prevent sewer flooding and leaks.

United Utilities reportedly planning to invest £3.5bn through 2020 in climate resilience measures, so that its infrastructure will be able to adapt to climate change.

The company is expanding in Scotland and has more than 200 customers.