Is it cheaper to get a water meter? - Yahoo News UK

Is it cheaper to get a water meter?

Water companies are planning to raise prices for households, the regulator has said.

Water companies are again planning to raise prices for households, the regulator has said.

David Black, head of water services regulation authority Ofwat, suggested suppliers wanted bills to rise to fund infrastructure investment.

This is despite the sector being scrutinised over financial uncertainty, dividend payouts and environmental failures.

Black told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Wednesday: “We expect companies will request increases in bills at the next price review to fund larger investment programmes and those programmes will deliver improvements to the environment.”

It comes as the UK’s largest supplier, Thames Water, is trying to secure its long-term future as it faces pressure over its roughly £14bn debt.

Read more: Ofwat boss denies water industry badly regulated as he predicts higher bills

But Black stressed that customers would not be made to cover the cost if Thames collapsed.

Many people will be seeking to reduce their water bills, so it might be worth considering if now is the time to have a water meter.

What is a water meter?

In England and Wales, you can either be billed for water by an estimate depending on the size of your home (rateable value) or by installing a water meter that will keep track of what you use.

Water meters have been installed in all newly built homes since 1990, but you can still obtain one for free upon request.

Customers in Scotland have their water bills are calculated using council tax bands, while Northern Ireland has no charges for domestic water.

Watch: Why addressing sewage spills was not a priority for the water industry or for Ofwat

Is a water meter cheaper?

As a homeowner, you are entitled to request a water meter installation at no cost, unless it is deemed impractical or unreasonably expensive.

Tenants with rental agreements lasting six months or more also have the right to request a water meter.

Martin Lewis, the founder of Money Saving Expert, advises homeowners to consider getting a meter if there are more bedrooms in their home than people or the same number.

Lewis adds those living in Scotland should only consider getting a meter if they live alone in a manor-type property as it’s quite expensive.

Read more: Regulator ‘should have stepped in to stop water companies increasing borrowing’

The amount you can potentially save with a meter depends on both usage and your water company, it adds, and most companies give you two years to change back if you find it's not cheaper.

Those on low incomes or receiving certain benefits may be eligible for a discount social tariff scheme most water companies offer.

If you have a water meter and receive benefits, including universal credit, housing benefit or pension credit, you could qualify for the WaterSure scheme.

This scheme caps your bill at a lower amount, regardless of your water usage.

When will water bills increase next?

Ofwat CEO Black has said he expects companies to request bill increases at the next price review, which could lead to a rise in price from 2025.

Ex-environment secretary George Eustice said last week bills were set to rise by an average of £42 per household in 2025.