Water

The water market has changed, let us help you take the plunge

Water services

April 2017 saw the deregulation of water in England, allowing organisations to join those in Scotland, giving them freedom to choose their retail water supplier.

The system allows non-domestic customers to have the opportunity to choose their retail water supplier as opposed to the previous method of having to buy retail water services directly from the regional water company.

This subsequently allowed organisations in England to control and potentially save money on their water bills. Being able to choose separate retailers for both their water retail services and another for their wastewater services allows a company to shop around.

Retailer prices are constantly changing; renegotiating or switching retailers should be considered by your business to ensure you are never paying too much.

Energycentric Assists You With:

Bills & Payments

Meter Readings

Water Efficiency

Water Audits

Rain Water Harvesting

Reducing Consumption

FAQ's

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Changes That Took Place in 2017

Back in April 2017, the water retail market changed its structure, allowing businesses across England (and for businesses in Wales, or those that have their existing water company based mainly in Wales, and that use more than 50 million litres of water per year) to choose their water retail supplier.

Why did the original system change?

The Government’s aim when bringing in the water deregulation in 2017 was for a fairer system for businesses. This was done by creating choice, and opening up the water and sewerage market to competition from new suppliers/retailers. The Water Act 2014 lays out a number of reforms, including making it easier for non-domestic water supplies to be changed with the hope this would improve customer service, create efficiencies and push for sustainable water collection and distribution.

Is waste water included?

Yes. Businesses are also not be obliged to use the same supplier for water as the one that takes away the waste water. Businesses are allowed to negotiate the deal that is best for them.

Where Can My Business Source Water From?

No. Whoever the supplier may be, the water will always come through the same pipes, from the same source. The difference is that you, as a business are able to shop around to find the best price and fit for your business.

How is the system regulated?

Ofwat has created a Customer Protection Code of Practice, and a ‘Market Monitoring Framework’ within the industry. These systems measure and record each water supplier’s performance and standards, and make the information public. Open Water and the Consumer Council for Water also provide guidance on businesses’ rights. These controls will ensure that mis-selling and poor practice does not affect businesses.

Why Businesses Switch Water Retailers

A business may choose to switch to reduce costs on their water bills. Other benefits include an improved and more tailored service, better access to smart meters and water usage data, and helping the environment by improving water efficiency. Use our ‘Deregulation Check List’ to help determine what is important to your business and how to switch.

How can Energycentric help?

With agreements in place with all the major new water retailers, Energycentric is well placed to negotiate new contracts going forwards. But it’s not just about the cost of the commodity, because as you will see from the accompanying documentation, savings will be minimal in England and Wales. It is about reducing consumption, paying for services that are used, consolidation of billing and recovering overpaid monies from the past.