Severn Trent Water: massive 'rebill'

neilbaldwin

@Cardew, Gothicfairy: thanks both of you for the information and insight.

I've drafted a letter for STW which I'll send tomorrow. I'll keep you posted with progress.

Cheers,

Neil

closed

How much water have you used and how much money have you paid in those 6 years? £1400 seems a lot for drainage

neilbaldwin

closed wrote: »

How much water have you used and how much money have you paid in those 6 years? £1400 seems a lot for drainage

The total services bill comes to about £2200 for the 6.5 years. The bills we've paid total £800 (approx) hence the demand for the remaining £1400.

I don't have the bill to hand, I'll see if I can decode water usage from it and post it up here.

victor2

A little over £100 a year for water does sound remarkably cheap, but I can see how you would get a water bill, pay it, and think that running off a meter is a pretty good deal. Some very good points made here over how it can only be a good will gesture on STW's behalf in reducing or writing it off.
I've seriously considered getting a meter installed as calculations indicate that it would halve my current bill. I've never seen a metered water bill, I have read what it includes but could quite easily see myself not spotting elements that were missing. Difficult to see something that isn't there.
I wouldn't just pay it and give up though. As suggested, you may get someone who recognises you have done everything asked of you and it can't be your fault that they have a crap billing system.

neilbaldwin

OK, well, I have a result.

As well as writing to Customer Relations, I'd also contacted CCW to brief them about the issue (it said on their website to expect answers in about 5 working days to I thought I'd at least kick-start the process in case I got nowhere with STW).

In short, CCW looked into the case for me and the conversations they had with STW resulted in a very, VERY considerable reduction in the amount owed: they waived the bill!

I'm still shocked. I rang CCW today to personally thank the person that handled the enquiry. She said that not all cases work out this way but even she said it had been a good result. She also said she'd contact STW on my behalf to tell them to ignore the letter I'd sent.

Seriously impressed with CCW. And thanks to STW too for responding the way they did. It wasn't without effort but at least common sense won out in the end.

Cardew

Well done!

That is some serious goodwill!

victor2

Good result. Nice to see even the bigger companies can consider the little people.