News

In 2017 there will be changes in the English water retail market

Work has been ongoing to open up the water market in England and Wales. As a result of this, it has been announced that from April 2017, 1.2 million businesses, public sector organisations and charities will be given the option to choose who provides their water retail services, rather than having a default supplier. This could provide many potential benefits for business customers.

Essentially, these changes mean that if your business qualifies, you will be able to shop around to find a new supplier for your water and waste water retail services. This may give you the opportunity to find a better price and service package, or to negotiate a better deal with your existing supplier. Businesses with multiple branches across the country would have the option to use a single supplier for all of them, rather than multiple local suppliers, making the process of paying bills more streamlined and potentially saving money.

After these changes come into effect, businesses will have a lot more freedom and choice, and it will bring the water retail market in line with other markets such as electricity and gas. You do not have to switch suppliers, but it is likely that many businesses and organisations will find it beneficial to do so.

You may also apply to become a licensed self-supplier. If you choose this option, you will receive wholesale services directly from the standard local water supplier, paying only the applicable wholesale charges. However, you will not receive retail services like meter reading or help with issues such as blockages in pipe networks or interrupted water supplies.

We will be on hand to help businesses navigate these changes in the marker make the right decisions when it comes to water management and choosing a supplier, ensuring that you are receiving the best possible service and that you have a suitable water management strategy in place at your premises. If you’d like further information on these upcoming developments or on any other aspect of our work, get in touch and our knowledgeable team will be happy to advise you.