MPS call for compulsory ‘smart’ meters to save water

WATER companies should be allowed to force every household to have a meter, MPS have said – even while admitting it could lead to “significant bill increases”.

Consumer groups have warned the move could see an “unfair” spike in the cost of bills for households.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the water industry says companies should be allowed to make “smart” water meters compulsory by the end of 2019.

It also found three billion litres of water are leaked every day and says water companies should tighten their targets.

About half of all homes in England and Wales have a water meter. Households can opt to have a free meter installed, though they can return to a non-metered service within two years if, for example, their bills rise.

Some suppliers operating in “water stressed” areas can choose to install a water meter without their customers’ permission.

Neil Parish, chairman of the committee, said: “We need to move beyond a regional approach to water metering, because there is a national need to conserve water.” The MPS said Ofwat, the regulator, should review its complaints process, which could involve forcing water companies to pay complainants a fixed sum.