South East Water made revenues of nearly £111 million in the first half of its financial year, up 1%.

The drinking water supplier serves 2.1 million customers in large parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Pre-tax profits were static at £21.8 million.

It has invested £6 million in installing 25,000 water metres during the six months to the end of September.

It has installed 200,000 metres since 2011, covering 78% of its customers.

Complaints were down 33% in the first six months of its financial year for the firm, which is 18 months into a five-year business plan.

Chairman Nick Salmon said: “The increased revenue is largely due to increased prices averaging 4.2% for the year, the impact of metering and the numbers of new properties in the area.

“This is partially offset by an average five per cent lower consumption due to the cooler and wetter than average summer.”