If you operate a small company, you’ve probably done some comparison shopping for your utility rates before. Alternatively, you may not be aware that this is also possible with the water you use in your company.
Since 2008 in Scotland and 2017 in England, the provision of business water has shifted from a regional to a competitive market. Therefore, companies are choosing their provider on the basis of price and other factors.
In this article, we’ll explain how commercial water services function, and who qualifies for them. Moreover, we will talk about how to change water providers. Many business water suppliers UK operate around. However, choosing the best one is important.
Operation of commercial water
Just as with commercial electricity and gas, wholesalers take care of the infrastructure. They sell water and wastewater services to retail providers, who then bundle them and sell them to consumers.
The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat), the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Market Operator in England manage Open Water, the initiative that altered the commercial water industry (MOSL).
The Scottish Water Industry is governed by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (WICS).
Businesses that consume more than 50 ML/Y are the only ones allowed to transfer water providers if their current provider is located in Wales.
Your company’s water needs in Northern Ireland will be met by Northern Ireland Water (NI Water). And, you won’t have the option to go elsewhere. However, if you go from being residential to a commercial client, or vice versa, you must inform NI Water.
Where and how to look for a new commercial water provider?
You should be able to transfer your business water suppliers UK if your building is predominantly used for business and your current provider fits the location criteria. You should consider these factors when deciding whether or not to switch commercial water providers:
- What are each retailer’s business water prices are
- How each retailer’s customer service stacks up
- How flexible are each retailer’s contracts in terms of meeting your company’s unique demands
- What other services, such water efficiency advice, are offered by the retailer in addition to your supply, and what services, like consolidated billing, the retailer offers to firms with many locations?
The processes are then similar to those in a commercial energy transfer, making it a simple and uncomplicated endeavor.
Find out how much water your company uses annually and your Supply Point Identification number (SPID). Check the specifics of your present agreement, such as whether or not you use separate companies for water delivery and wastewater disposal.
You can discover the perfect match for your company by comparing the prices and tariffs given by licensed water dealers.
Make a deal with the store of your choice! If you’re happy with your current supplier, you may always attempt to improve your contract terms with them. However, if you’ve decided to make the change, make sure you confirm it with business utility services.
If you change your mind while the transfer process is not complete, you have seven days to do so.
Explanation of Commercial Water Rates
The majority of commercial water bills will depend on the actual volume used as measured by water meters. Without a meter, your business will be charged a fixed rate according to its assessed value.
Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll have to fork up a monthly or annual fee. The amount of this fee, if applicable, will be determined by the size of your meter. In the absence of meters, your provider will set a flat rate.
Removal of wastewater will also incur metered and standing costs. This includes runoff from roads and highways, as well as sewage and industrial waste. Liquid waste, also known as effluent, is water that contains contaminants like oil, grease, chemicals, or food scraps.
The total amount you’ll have to pay will depend on the potency of your trade effluent. If you get your water from a different company than the one responsible for taking it away, the costs will be split.
Disconnection and reconnection fees, as well as meter installation, maintenance, and replacement expenses might also show up on a commercial water account. Contact your business water suppliers UK to find out more.
Tips for reducing your company’s water use
A water audit may help a business identify ways to save money on its water cost, just as an energy audit can help a company find ways to save money on its gas and electricity expenses.
The use of a water meter in this scenario would be a high recommendation. If your company’s water use and costs have been rising without any discernible rise in water-related activities, you may have a leak.
Conclusion
There are a number of water-saving gadgets available, such as automated sensor taps and cistern reduction devices, that might be investigated. If you need a more in-depth analysis, an expert audit from business utility services such as U4B may be the best option. However, this service comes at a price and may work better for corporations.