Water meter or not ?

Cat_Loving_Lady
Cat_Loving_Lady Posts: 74 Forumite
First Post First Anniversary Combo Breaker Debt-free and Proud!
in Water bills
I'm wondering if we should apply to change to a water meter.
Currently paying water rates to Severn Trent £506 a year. This is paid over 8 months so £60 per month x8.
Household is 2 adults, 2 teenagers. Use washing machine daily, showers every day pretty much x4. We never hose the garden.
I think £500 a year is a lot but my husband says a meter could mean us paying more as at the moment we can use what we want and the bill stays the same. Just wonder if there is a saving to be made.

Comments

  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,036 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Rampant Recycler
    There is much information in the first thread in this section(a sticky)

    The average consumption is approx 55 cubic metres(m3) per person per year so 220m3 pa; although many people say they use far less.

    You can find out the charges on the ST website, but for 220m3 it will be slightly more than you are currently paying.

    On the other hand you can get a meter fitted(for free) and if it doesn't work out cheaper you can revert to your non-metered charges.
  • poppasmurf_bewdley
    poppasmurf_bewdley Posts: 5,909 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    I now live alone in the ST area.

    I pay by meter and my half yearly bills are about £45/50, but I don't pay any sewerage or other charges apart from the standing charge.

    I would imagine you are pretty much about at the break even point either way.
    "There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe a 'Princess Coronation' locomotive in full cry. We shall never see their like again". O S Nock
  • spiro
    spiro Posts: 6,403 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    When I had my meter fitted (voluntarily) I had the option to revert to RV billing within the 1st year which gives you the chance to see how it compares.
    IT Consultant in the utilities industry specialising in the retail electricity market.

    4 Credit Card and 1 Loan PPI claims settled for £26k, 1 rejected (Opus).
  • prosaver
    prosaver Posts: 7,026 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    spiro wrote: »
    When I had my meter fitted (voluntarily) I had the option to revert to RV billing within the 1st year which gives you the chance to see how it compares.

    so what was the difference in the bills?
    “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
    ― George Bernard Shaw
  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,036 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Rampant Recycler
    prosaver wrote: »
    so what was the difference in the bills?

    Spiro's difference is dependant on:

    A. His water company

    B. His water consumption

    C. His Rateable Value

    So unless those 3 factors are the same as other posters, comparisons are pointless.

    For me the metered savings are over £1,000 a year - equally pointless for comparison purposes unless my factors are replicated.
  • matelodave
    matelodave Posts: 8,606 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic First Post
    My savings are at least £300+ and thats just on the standing charges not counting the RV addition. I dont know what my RV is but it would just increase my costs
    Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,088 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Post First Anniversary
    Fit a meter and then have it disregarded within a year if not cheaper-it's a no-brainer.
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,036 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Rampant Recycler
    macman wrote: »
    Fit a meter and then have it disregarded within a year if not cheaper-it's a no-brainer.

    Indeed it is now within 2 years for some companies.
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 607.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173K Life & Family
  • 247.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards