Should i ask for a water meter?

littlesheepy

I'm about to move into my first house. I'll be living in a mid 2 bed terrace with no garden on my own (in a Severn Trent area) and have been told by a couple of friends to consider a water meter, as it's likely to work out cheaper for me. They've also said if it's not possible to fit a water meter due to shared pipes (i'm not sure if they are or not) that they'll reduced the cost for a single occupancy. Any ideas if this is correct and if it's worth considering a meter? I haven't signed up with Severn Trent as yet, about to do it today, so i have nothing to compare with.
Many thanks in advance

macman

Yes, if a meter cannot be physically fitted then you can apply to go on to assessed billing instead.
Should a metered supply work out more expensive (unlikely with a single occupancy), then you can revert to RV billing within the first 12 months anyway, so you can't lose.
No one can tell you for sure, as we don't know your rateable value or usage..

littlesheepy

If I register and ask to go straight into a meter and do, will I get a rateable value and usage that I can compare to non metered water or do I need to go onto non metered supply first?
Many thanks

macman

If you register then they should be able to tell you the RV of the property, From that your annual charge can be calculated. No one can accurately predict your usage, you can only compare based on estimates.
You can't go straight onto a meter, you must apply and wait for a survey, and then for fitting if the survey is OK. Until then you are on RV billing.

littlesheepy

macman wrote: »

If you register then they should be able to tell you the RV of the property, From that your annual charge can be calculated. No one can accurately predict your usage, you can only compare based on estimates.
You can't go straight onto a meter, you must apply and wait for a survey, and then for fitting if the survey is OK. Until then you are on RV billing.

Thanks, will sign up then come back when i have an RV value to go by for bit more advice

cattie

I was on a water meter in my last house & my water bill went down by more than half. I'm having a water meter again as soon as I move from this house, which should be in the next few weeks.

If you speak to the water board and tell them what appliances you have, ie washing machine, dishwasher etc. and also whether you take a daily shower or two or have baths, they will give you a pretty good indication of how much you will pay on a meter compared to water rates.

littlesheepy

That's great advice, thank you Hopefully it'll work out much cheaper!

littlesheepy

Have finally managed to set up my Severn Trent account and between now and next march (although payments only until December) I'm being charged £146.51. Not sure how that worked out? So many months at a set charge or a years worth of charge split over so many months?!
Have sent them an email today asking what my rateable value is, so i can then investigate if a meter may be any cheaper

Constant_Gardener

Depending where you are in the water region - sewerage charges may be to a different company. Make sure you have full info on implications for both
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_energy_and_water_supply_e/consumer_water_supply_e/consumer_paying_your_water_bill_e/moving_home_and_water_bills.htm

...and follow the links

littlesheepy

I'm with Severn Trent (Stoke/Newcastle area) and pretty certain it's all under one company for water and sewerage but I will check, thank you

littlesheepy

Finally got in touch with them to find out my RV. Severn Trent includes the water and sewerage, it's not paid to separate companies.
My rateable value is 89 and my yearly cost is £195.90
Is it worth me trying a meter, or is that fairly low anyway??