Paying water bill by direct debit

dannyxx25

You need excellent vision to see the water meter!!

snoman

Gothicfairy wrote: »

Payment plans on metered accounts can not revert back to RV plans as they are set up in totally different ways.

That may be the theory, but the practice was somewhat different. My DD payment plan for the metered supply was more than adequate to pay for the water actually used. In fact, I had been expecting a small reduction in the monthly payments - not a 50% increase. I have to say, that out of all the utilities I use, the water company gives me the most hassle and is the one I have to watch like a hawk.

neil9313

Gothicfairy wrote: »

It is not legal to offer a discount on water bills. So that should be taken to OFWAT

where do you get this from?

neil9313

snoman wrote: »

That may be the theory, but the practice was somewhat different. My DD payment plan for the metered supply was more than adequate to pay for the water actually used. In fact, I had been expecting a small reduction in the monthly payments - not a 50% increase. I have to say, that out of all the utilities I use, the water company gives me the most hassle and is the one I have to watch like a hawk.

In practice some of the people reading meters are not paid that well and get paid by how many they read. They may well make mistakes.

Gothicfairy

neil9313 wrote: »

where do you get this from?

OFWAT and the water industry act 1991 and the amended versions.

As there is a monopoly all water companies have a set of guidelines (DG's) to follow to make sure customers are treated the same and that everyone pays for water and sewerage as used ( either by cubic meter or Rateable value) offering a discount for Direct Debit means that those not using that payment method would be paying more and that is where ofwat steps in.

neil9313

Gothicfairy wrote: »

It is not legal to offer a discount on water bills. So that should be taken to OFWAT

SE water give you £5 for DD off your bill each year, not much but it must be illegal,

Gothicfairy

I am checking up on that at the moment and will get back to you once I have an answer but it might be that the discount is not against the water bill but against admin costs ( grey area for the act) as the rule about discounts on water is clear.

neil9313

Gothicfairy wrote: »

I am checking up on that at the moment and will get back to you once I have an answer but it might be that the discount is not against the water bill but against admin costs ( grey area for the act) as the rule about discounts on water is clear.

so its not illegal then? :T


You must be an MD of a water company? or are you a CSA?

Gothicfairy

neil9313 wrote: »

so its not illegal then? :T It is to offer it from the water bill...


You must be an MD of a water company? Nope or are you a CSA? wrong again..

Want another guess ?

SailorSam

I've received my water bill in the post this morning for next year. Not only is there no DD discount, it says if you miss any of these payments the outstanding balance will need to be paid in full.
I think i may save by getting a meter, but i'm hesitant that it may put off any future buyer.