United Utilities Group has unveiled plans to invest an additional £2.5bn in its operations which it said can create an additional 4,000 jobs across its supply chain and support economic growth and resilience in the North West.
In a strategic update, the utilities business said guidance for its AMP8 capital investment programme has increased to about £11.5bn, up from £9bn.
To fund the equity element of the £2.5bn incremental investment programme, United Utilities separately revealed an equity placing of £800m.
It includes incremental investment to support housing and industrial growth in the region, AI-driven industrial development, proactive asset replacement and environmental improvements
Approximately £1.4bn of incremental investment programme has been submitted to Ofwat today with the balance of the £2.5bn expected via future Re-openers
United Utilities said its asset base is now expected to grow at 10 per cent CAGR through to 2030, up from prior guidance of 7 per cent.
Chief executive Louise Beardmore said: “One year into our most ambitious investment programme, we have made a strong start delivering £1.5bn of capital investment in FY26 and mobilising over 100 supply chain partners to achieve our regulatory commitments on time. We are committed to supporting a stronger, greener, healthier North West, and the plans we are announcing today will do exactly that.
“We expect it could create a further 4,000 jobs across our supply chain, on top of the 30,000 supported by our existing AMP8 programme, by enhancing our infrastructure and aligning with the Government’s mission for economic growth and decarbonisation.
“The proposals we have submitted today for circa £1.4bn, as part of Ofwat’s 2026 Re-opener process, represent the first phase of our incremental investment programme and focus on providing the water infrastructure for thousands of new homes, powering data centres, enabling clean energy and strengthening the resilience of our network.
“The balance of the circa £2.5bn is expected via future Re-openers as we continue to invest further in the North West through the AMP.”
She added: “With our upgraded financial framework, sector-leading financing performance and strong delivery track record, we are confident in our ability to generate attractive and sustainable returns for shareholders while delivering for our customers, communities and the environment.”
In a separate announcement covering its results, United Utilities delivered strong financial and operational performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, providing a firm platform for the accelerated investment programme.
Underlying revenue increased 20 per cent to £2.6bn, reflecting higher regulatory revenues under the PR24 Final Determination, with underlying operating profit up 35 per cent to £1,06bn.
Operationally, United Utilities achieved a 23 per cent reduction in spills, and 42 per cent fewer internal sewer flooding incidents.