Thames Water has launched an appeal to allow it to increase bills by more than the regulator wants to permit. The UK's largest utility company is calling on the competition regulator to overturn a decision from the water industry regulator, Ofwat, which caps bill rises at 35% over the next five years.

British utility Thames Water lodged an appeal to the country's competition regulator on Friday, beginning a process to try to raise the prices it can charge customers for the next five years and improve its chances of survival.

Troubled Thames Water has appealed against an inflation-busting price rise agreed by regulator Ofwat, arguing it was doing so “in the interests of our customers and the environment"

Thames says Ofwat’s ruling “does not support the investment and improvement that is required for Thames Water”

Thames Water’s “blatant and greedy” attempts to rake in more cash from the public have been slammed by campaigners. The water company launched a bid to charge its customers more over the next five years than the industry regulator will allow.

Thames Water is seeking further hikes to customer charges despite facing criticism for substantial bill increases and executive bonuses amidst a backdrop of environmental failings. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

LONDON (Reuters) -Struggling British utility Thames Water launched an appeal with the country's competition regulator on Friday, kicking off a process to try to lift the prices it can charge customers for the next five years and improve its chances of survival.