UTILITIES - 23.08.2017

Time to switch water supplier

The potential benefits of switching water supplier are starting to become clearer. What can be achieved and how should you make the move?

All change. In April 2017 the water market opened up for competition ( yr.11, iss.8, pg.3 , see The next step ). This means that rather than being stuck with your local supplier, you can now choose to move to another company.

Getting ready. Back in January 2017 the water companies were finalising their new deals and working out how they were going to tempt customers to move from their existing supplier when the market opened up. We suggested that it might be worth waiting before making a move. But now that the dust has settled, is it worth switching?

Apparently so. According to the Open Water website, which has been set up by the water regulator Ofwat, Defra and MOSL (the new water market operator), there are many benefits to switching supplier (see The next step ). These include cost savings, reduced admin by having fewer bills, the availability of advice on how to save water and the offer of water-saving equipment such as harvesting systems.

Big winners. Open Water concludes that those with multiple sites spread across the country are likely to see the greatest benefits in switching - especially if they do a deal with a single supplier. Savings will come from a more competitive water supply, waste rates and on admin time savings.

Tip 1. If you’re thinking of making the move, Open Water is certainly a good place to start. It identifies what water retailers are offering, whether you’re eligible to switch and more.

Tip 2. Don’t overlook your existing supplier. It’s certainly worth talking to them first as they may offer you improved terms or services to stop you from moving away.

For a previous article on the water market and for a link to Open Water, visit http://tipsandadvice-environment.co.uk/download (EN 12.03.01).

Cheaper water supply and waste bills are possible by switching. Plus, you can save on admin if you have a single supplier for multiple sites. The Open Water website has details of potential deals available.

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