Trial water meters to slash utility bills

HOUSEHOLDS across Halton could be missing out on lower water bills due to being unaware they can trial a meter for up to two years, an industry watchdog has warned.

The Consumer Council For Water (CCWater) is concerned only one in four customers of United Utilities who pay fixed charges know they can trial a meter and switch back for free if they do not save money or decide it is not for them.

The findings emerged from CCWater’s Water Matters survey, which also showed that one in eight people felt their water bills were not affordable.

A spokesman said as a ‘general rule of thumb’, it is worth a customer considering a water meter if they have the same or more bedrooms than people living in their home.

CCWater’s Northern chair Robert Light said: “A water meter will not benefit everyone but we know that in some cases households can save more than £100 a year.

“Even the smallest saving could make all the difference to customers who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Almost everyone who opts for a meter chooses to stick with it, but many customers need that assurance they can switch back anytime within the trial period.”

CCWater is urging customers to use its water meter calculator before taking the plunge to see whether they are likely to save money by switching. Over the past year it has helped almost 270,000 consumers identify potential annual savings totalling more than £14.5m.

To use the calculater and find many more water and money saving tips and tools, visit www. ccwater.org.uk