Thames Water billing

Grouchy

Hello
Up until about 6 months ago I always paid my water bill by DD. Since I have paid monthly via phone on their automated system (i do have a good reason for doing this). My water in unmetered.
Today I noticed that my bill (usually approx £30/month) when I dialled the usual automated service said I had £600 odd to pay, so could not pay my usual monthly rate via autophone. I phoned customer service and asked why this was and the CS person (bit drone-like) said that it was next years bill already put on my account and tried to persuade me to pay it all in a lumpsum in advance. She could give no other explanation or reasoning.
This seemed odd to bill so far in advance (doesn't the year start on April 1? or have I got that wrong?). And would imagine some would get a fright and be intimidated by the CS pushiness to pay all up front.

I've managed to pay just for the month as usual, but could someone clarify if this is normal practice for TW?

Thanks

Cardew

Yes the year starts on April 1 - which is when the higher charges also start.

It seems TW have a stupid program on their computer system, and an even more stupid CS!

Grouchy

Thank you for that. I will make an official complaint to them and see what happens. I've had some dealings with TW before due to a billing error on their part and they were absolutely appalling so not sure if it will do much good, but at least I will register my disapproval.

Cheers