Switch supplier

[Deleted User]

Wondering why you cannot switch energy suppliers like you can for gas and electric? Anyone know why?

Cardew

Because the Government laid down in the Water Privatisation Act that Water Companies have a responsibility to look after the infrastructure in their area, - Water supply, sewerage disposal etc. Some companies have a far greater expenditure per head of population than others.

What would be the point of allowing the residents of Devon and Cornwall(who have the highest charges in UK) to 'choose' to pay to Portsmouth Water(who have the lowest charges).

footyguy

craigr98 wrote: »

Wondering why you cannot switch energy suppliers like you can for gas and electric? Anyone know why?

The reason is because under the current legislation water is provided by regional monopoly suppliers.

The government wants to make switching happen. It's asked the water regulator Ofwat to provide an assessment of the costs and benefits of making switching possible.

More info here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35787379

Currently only developers or business customers who use more than 5 million litres of water a year (50 million litres in Wales) can choose their provider. But from April 2017, most non-household customers of suppliers based wholly or mainly in England will be able to choose both their water and wastewater retailer. They will not have to use a minimum amount of water.
http://www.ofwat.gov.uk/households/your-water-company/changesupplier/

Cardew

From what I understand the choosing of a supplier does not mean you will pay the same water charges as the regional customers of that company.

e.g. let us take a situation where the South West charge £5 per cubic metre(m3) for water and sewerage for customers in Devon and Cornwall, and Thames Water charge £2/m3 for customers in London. It doesn't mean that a customer in Devon and Cornwall can elect to pay Thames Water rates of £2/m3. My understanding is the reduction in charges will be minimal.

matelodave

That's how I understand it as well, so it won't really benefit anyone

footyguy

Cardew wrote: »

From what I understand the choosing of a supplier does not mean you will pay the same water charges as the regional customers of that company.....

That's how I understand it too.

Similarly, when you live in the Midlands supply region and opt to purchase your electricity from SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy), you pay neither the same rate as those who live in the North Scottish supply region nor those who live in the Southern supply region.