Beware pricing after smart meter is installed

WHILST THERE are tales of underhand financial practices by some electricity and gas suppliers, most customers of water providers are unaware that they have joined their colleagues in the utility sector to gain an unwarranted pecuniary advantage.

These behemoths of denationalisation have devised a policy based on fitting a water meter. Already 55 per cent of households are fitted with such a device.

The ‘smart’ ones report usage readings directly to the firm. No individual water readings are conveyed by computer or telephone but the information is automatically forwarded and no copy sent to the user.

Where there is strong water demand, suppliers have been granted a legal right to install a meter. However, note the effective date of such an installation and check if the company is still invoicing based on its own estimate of use related to the rateable value.

Pricing on a meter basis does not occur instantly after installation.

The water supplier will provide the date. However, it will not advise that if the home has not opted for such a switch within 12 months, it will not refund fees raised which includes for unused water.

With so many individuals not realising they were entitled to a refund but had to request it, one water firm alone has pocketed over £9m.

The designated time is to allow users to compare the costs of metered and unmetered supply. If the charge has risen, homes can introduce ways to cut usage and often such devices are provided on a complimentary basis.

The regulator, Ofwat, has ordered water suppliers to reduce invoices by an annual average £50 by 2025, as well as requiring more expenditure on improving services.