Meters

Samantha99

Sorry if this answer is on the board.
But to stop an argument can anyone confirm that if you move to an unmetered house, the water company arrive on your doorstep with a meter in their hand?

I believe there is no legal compulsion to have a meter fitted but my husband says that the water companies now fit a meter when you change your address.

So who's right?

spiro

On change of owned/occupier a water company is legally entitled to force you to have a water meter, that said not all companies do it.

Cardew

Just to confirm the post above is absolutely correct.


That regulation has actually been in force since 1990, but only a few companies bothered, however more companies are now enforcing this regulation.

macman

If supplier switching is eventually made possible for domestic customers, then I wonder if that will only be allowed on metered supplies? It would presumably increase the uptake of meters.

[Deleted User]

Samantha99 You don't say where you live but in Anglian Water's region you still have the choice of whether to go on metered supply or un-metered supply. I just moved to a metered supply with the option to return to un-metered if I want later.

Cardew

Deleted_User wrote: »

Samantha99 You don't say where you live but in Anglian Water's region you still have the choice of whether to go on metered supply or un-metered supply. I just moved to a metered supply with the option to return to un-metered if I want later.

If you were the existing occupant and elected for a meter you do indeed have the option to switch back within 24 months with Anglian: it is 12 months with other water companies.

However the OP asked about moving to an unmetered house. In that case you do not have the choice. If the company choose to install a meter - it is compulsory. This from the Ofwat site:

Do I have to have a meter?


Your company can choose to install a meter at your property. However, it can only charge you using the meter if you:




• use an automatic watering device (such as a garden sprinkler);


• automatically fill a swimming pool;


• have a power shower or extra large bath;


• use a reverse osmosis water softening unit;


• are the new occupier of a property