Business water prices in the new water market
The water market for businesses in England was deregulated in April 2017. Many businesses are still unaware of this. However, businesses in England can now choose their water supplier to get lower business water prices. Just like businesses in Scotland have been able to do for some years.
Just like gas and electricity, we also work closely with water retailers. And just like the energy side of our business, these relationships mean great prices for our customers.
So we can get water prices for you, please send us a recent water invoice. From this, we will pick out specific information that water retailers need to offer prices. This includes information such as water and waste water consumption, size of your water meter, SPID, and whether highway drainage, surface water drainage or trade effluent are in place.
That is all you need to do, leave the rest to us. Once we have this information from you, we will put this out to tender to water retailers. And then we will be in touch with our best price plans for your commercial water use.
How much can I save on my water costs?
This can vary considerably. After water deregulation in Scotland in 2008, the initial savings were quite small. However, over the next few years, water retailers became more efficient, and better systems were put in place. This helped retailers to be more competitive.
The end result meant savings on water costs were as much as 25%.
Businesses in England are in the same position. Savings are improving as the new retailers tighten up and invest in more efficient systems. We are seeing much better deals on businesses with multiple sites, so please get in touch for prices.
Of course, if your business is in Scotland, then do call as well, whether single or multi-site.
How does the new water market work?
Wholesale and retail companies
The previous water suppliers have split their businesses into wholesale and retail arms. The wholesale arm continues to look after and maintain the network of pipes in the same region of the country as before (eg. Thames Water). They sell water services to the retail companies at wholesale cost. The water retailers then sell on these services to businesses like yours.
Your business is now free to use any water retail company for your water services.
Competition
It is important to note, that retailers pass on the cost of water to businesses at the wholesale rates. Therefore there is no competition between retailers over the cost of water and waste water.
Water prices are set by the Wholesaler, and these can change once a year (even during a 3-year contract). The competitive price element is in the retail (service) charge levied by water retailers for their services (which will usually be fixed for the length of the contract). This includes billing, meter reading, customer care, and of course their profit margin. Retailers may also offer extra benefits such as a water audit.
We can of course advise on this for you.
The independent energy broker
Perfect Clarity are a leading UK business energy broker. Businesses of all sizes use our services to source energy and water prices.
Unlike many other brokers, we are on hand throughout your business energy contracts should you need any support.
Call us for clarity on your business energy prices. Perfect Clarity.
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