Each year, more and more companies are looking to compare business water suppliers. With one in three businesses being overcharged for their business water supply, it makes sense to switch suppliers to save money.
Not only can businesses save money by switching, but they can also receive better customer service and other benefits.
Previously, businesses were forced to accept whatever price their regional water provider set. However, after the deregulation of the commercial water market, businesses are now able to pick who supplies their business with water.
This has created an opportunity for businesses to save more money on their water bills.
Why Should I Compare UK Business Water Tariffs?
Since 2008, after the water reform, businesses in Scotland have been able to compare the Scotland business water suppliers. In England, businesses are also able to do the same as the market opened up.
There are around 25 UK business water suppliers, so there are lots of different options to compare and see which one is best for you.
Some UK businesses have been overcharged by more than 60% on their water bills. Your business may be signed up to a default tariff, meaning you could be paying more than you could be with other suppliers.
With the market only recently becoming deregulated, many businesses can make savings. Furthermore, savings are set to increase over time as the market becomes more competitive, with more suppliers entering the market offering better deals.
Switching to a new water supplier is simple, so businesses shouldn’t be alarmed at any lengthy delays or stressful changes. Once you are reaching the end of a contract, you are free to change suppliers.
This is where you can see what other suppliers are offering.
Why Should I Switch Business Water Supplier?
Did you know that on average, UK companies saved up to 12% on their business water bills?
One of the biggest reasons people switch water suppliers for business is to enjoy cheaper water rates. Every penny counts for businesses, so by reducing their water rates, it allows them to focus their cash flow on more important areas.
Another factor could be better customer service.
You may be unhappy with the current support you are receiving from your supplier, with endless phone calls and waiting times. Other providers may have better, more personal teams to deal with your requests.
For companies with multiple locations or premises in different regions, it can be overwhelming and frustrating having to work with more than one supplier. By simply switching to one supplier, all your bills can be in one place.
How Do I Switch Business Water Suppliers?
When switching your water supplier, two things decide whether your business is able to switch to a new business water contract.
- Your business needs to be located in England or Scotland, due to Wales not being deregulated yet.
- Your business might be located on a business premise. Domestic properties cannot switch.
For companies that tick both these boxes, you can now compare different prices and tariffs that are available on the market.
Once you have chosen your preferred deal, you now need your SPID, known as your supply point identification number. You can find this number on your water bills and it is 8 digits long.
To switch the supply, your new chosen supplier used the SPID to contact your old provider.
It takes roughly 28 days to complete the switch, however, some factors may cause delays, such as the size and number of premises, location and previous contract details.
How Do I Compare Business Water Contracts?
When looking to find the best business water suppliers in England, usually the first step is to complete a water usage audit.
But what is a water usage audit?
This is the action of taking an overview of the last 12 months’ worth of businesses water bills for your company. By doing this, you will highlight any issues or areas where you think you could save.
When you take the step of looking at the tariffs available on the market, you could find some unexpected charges, billing issues or high usage periods.
After you’ve searched the market and found some comparisons, you may notice some areas where water efficiency can be improved.
Your water bill will be different to other companies and bespoke to your usage. This shows that multiple factors will determine the price you pay for water. Some of these factors include:
- Water usage.
- Business size.
- Business location.
- Number of properties.
By completing a water audit, you will have a better understanding of your current consumption and usage, meaning you will be better prepared when comparing and negotiating new deals for your business.
Did you know that the location of your business will decide who the wholesale supplier of your water will be?
However, you should remember that you have the ability to choose the water supplier for your business.
With plenty of new competitors entering the market, there are more tariffs than ever before. Many energy companies with experience in other markets are now offering water solutions, with various new providers specialising in water.
Take your time and compare what is available, weighing up what is best for you.
How Do I Know If My Business Is Eligible To Switch Water Supplier?
There are only a couple of reasons why your business wouldn’t be eligible to change provider.
As long as your business is based in Scotland or England, you can switch. Businesses based in Northern Ireland aren’t eligible to change, the same goes for Wales, unless you are using more than 50 megalitres of water a year.
How Long Does The Switch Process Take?
After searching through the various suppliers on the market, then choosing the one which is best for you, the switch takes roughly 28 days which includes a ‘cooling off’ period for your previous retailer.
This can change depending on different factors such as your water usage, the size, quantity and location of your business too.
Once the switch happens, you’ll receive confirmation as well as a final bill from your old supplier and your first bill from your new provider.
How Much Does Switching Water Suppliers Cost?
Unless you need to buy out of your current contract, switching should not cost you anything. Double check with your supplier, but there should be no costs when switching.
Will My Water Service Stop When I Switch Suppliers?
No, your supply will not be interrupted. You are changing the retailer, not the supply of water.
What Services Are Provided By My Water Supplier?
Your water supplier has the task of providing your business with a continuous supply of water, all for your daily use at adequate pressure.
This water should be safe to drink, as well as meeting the regulation quality levels of the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) for England and Wales.
Regularly, every water supplier is tested by inspectors, making sure the water they provide is safe to drink and meets the standards by the DWI. These tests that are done by the inspectors cover the following areas:
- Checking for bacteria.
- Checking for chemicals, including nitrate and pesticides.
- How the water tastes.
- How the water looks.
For your business, water pressure should fill a one gallon (4.5 litres) container in 30 seconds. This can be checked by yourself easily. If you are not happy with the pressure supplied, you should contact the provider to see if they can check it.
Who Are The UK’s Water Suppliers?
Across the UK, there are different suppliers for different areas of the region. Check out the table below and see which water supplier covers your area.
| Water Supplier | Area They Cover |
| Affinity Water | Northwest London and the Home Counties |
| Albion Water | Upper Rissington and Victory Fields |
| Anglian water | East Anglia and East Midlands |
| Bristol Water | Bristol and the surrounding area |
| Cambridge Water | South Cambridgeshire |
| Cholderton & District Water | Cholderton and Shipton Bellinger |
| Dee Valley | North East Wales and North West England |
| Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water) | Most of Wales, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucestershire |
| Essex and Suffolk Water | Essex, South Norfolk and North Suffolk |
| Independent Water Networks | |
| Northern Ireland Water | Northern Ireland |
| Northumbrian Water | North East of England |
| Portsmouth Water | Hampshire and West Sussex |
| Scottish Water | Large area, one third of Britain |
| Severn Trent Water | Central England and parts of Wales |
| South East Water | Kent, Hampshire, Berkshire, Sussex and Surrey |
| South West Water | Devon and Cornwall |
| Southern Water | Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight |
| Sutton and East Surrey Water | Sutton and East Surrey |
| Thames Water | Central Southern England |
| United Utilities Water | North West of England |
| Wessex Water | South West of England |
| Yorkshire Water | Yorkshire |
All of these suppliers have their own water hardness, as well as their extensive history and background. Water hardness levels may be different within each area, you can find out further information about water hardness in your particular area by contacting your supplier.
For more information about this post and how Energy Solutions can help with your Electricity, Gas, or Water, click on the links, or check out the contact details at the bottom of the page.