Tuesday 19 April 2016

Time extended for Brits to test water meters benefits

Nine water companies are offering householders a longer trial period to test the benefits of installing water meters.

They are extending the previous one-year trial period given to customers.

Millions of households have two years to try the technology and see whether it can help them save money, said the Consumer Council for Water (CCW).

If householders decide they don't want to use water meters they can switch back for free, it added.

The decision to extend the trial period was made by Severn Trent Water, Yorkshire Water, Wessex Water, South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, Portsmouth Water, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and Dee Valley Water.

In total, there are 13 water companies which now offer a two-year switching trial. Northumbrian Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, Anglian Water and United Utilities have already adopted this approach, according to the CCW.

Andy White, Senior Policy Manager at the CCW said: “Giving customers a longer trial period is a great way to encourage more households to take the plunge and try a meter.

"Water meters won’t benefit everyone but in some cases people can save more than £100 a year but even a much smaller saving could make all the difference to the one in eight customers who tell us their water bill is unaffordable.”

Yesterday Ofwat unveiled its business plan to protect customers and ensure water companies are delivering their services efficiently.