Leakage Allowance Credit

Boolagh

I have finally received a substantial Leakage Allowance from Thames Water after almost nine months of hassle. This shows up as a credit on my account. However, it's going to take years to burn this off at current usage. Am I entitled to have a cash refund?

matelodave

I'm not sure that you are actually "entitled" to a leakage allowance. It's something that the water companies might give if they want to, not because they have (unless perhaps it was the meter itself that was leaking). In which case, if they give one they can apply it however they want - mostly I suspect as credit on the account.
I got one last year after having a leak and it was applied as credit to my account not as cash or cheque.
I'd guess that the only way to get it as money is to close your account when it's in credit and hope they refund it. Then get your partner (if you've got one) to start an new account in their name.

Mykidsmum

Is the Leakage Allowance Credit not just to reduce the Leak Debit that has appeared on a earlier bill?

Did you pay your bill in full when you had the leak?

Just because there is a credit allowance on your bill doesn't actually mean that your account is in credit. The credit allowance is just to reduce the charges caused by the leak.

If you paid your bill in full when you were charged for the leak, the meter reading is more or less up to date and you are still showing a credit balance I would expect the you could ask for a refund of any credit.