Thames Water stressing me out

florita1

I moved into my property in June 2017, I have called Thames Water three times to set up my water bill, the house is metered. 

Each time they have said it can take 50 odd day’s to set up. But each time they fail to sort it out. 

I’m worried I’m going to be hit with a huge bill. 

Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with this? 

florita1

Actually husband has said we aren’t on meter. He’s the one who had spoken to them three times. 

Cardew

Have you written or emailed them?

Did you note the water meter reading when you moved into the property?

There is no 12 month back-billing provision for water as there is for gas or electricity. So it is probable that you will have to pay for 32 months water.

Write to them!

florita1

Yes I will do that, unfortunately not done this thus far. 

Thanks 

florita1

I called them again, and took a reference number. They acknowledge the delays and are only charging us since July last year - which is something. 

Weirdly they think they fitted a meter in the house last July (but they didn’t) so they are sending someone out to take a reading! 

matelodave

AS you know you've got a water bill to pay then it's not unreasonable that you should put the money aside for when it does finally drop through the letterbox.
I really cannot understand people who reckon that they get "stressed out etc" because they are expecting a bill but have not saved the money in anticipation and then expect to get the service for free, reduced or even compensation.

Talldave

I don't understand why Thames Water would state 50 days.  When we moved into the Thames Water area last August, I made one phone to give my details and they said a bill would arrive within 10 days, which it did.

florita1

matelodave said:

AS you know you've got a water bill to pay then it's not unreasonable that you should put the money aside for when it does finally drop through the letterbox.
I really cannot understand people who reckon that they get "stressed out etc" because they are expecting a bill but have not saved the money in anticipation and then expect to get the service for free, reduced or even compensation.

Who said I havnt been saving the cash? Who said I wanted compensation or a reduced fee? 

I merely would like to be billed regularly for the service, rather than have to save an indeterminate amount of money for an indefinite period.   

Anyway, TW recognise their mistakes in this case and offered to write off two years of billing so it’s refreshing to know they at least have the empathy you lack. 

florita1

Talldave said:

I don't understand why Thames Water would state 50 days.  When we moved into the Thames Water area last August, I made one phone to give my details and they said a bill would arrive within 10 days, which it did.

They explained it was because it’s a newbuild. I have now spoken to my Neighbours who have experienced the same issues 

RelievedSheff

florita1 said:

Talldave said:

I don't understand why Thames Water would state 50 days.  When we moved into the Thames Water area last August, I made one phone to give my details and they said a bill would arrive within 10 days, which it did.

They explained it was because it’s a newbuild. I have now spoken to my Neighbours who have experienced the same issues 

If it is a new build it will have a water meter. They have been fitted to new builds as standard for many years.

matelodave

florita1 said:

matelodave said:

AS you know you've got a water bill to pay then it's not unreasonable that you should put the money aside for when it does finally drop through the letterbox.
I really cannot understand people who reckon that they get "stressed out etc" because they are expecting a bill but have not saved the money in anticipation and then expect to get the service for free, reduced or even compensation.

Who said I havnt been saving the cash? Who said I wanted compensation or a reduced fee? 

I merely would like to be billed regularly for the service, rather than have to save an indeterminate amount of money for an indefinite period.   

Anyway, TW recognise their mistakes in this case and offered to write off two years of billing so it’s refreshing to know they at least have the empathy you lack. 

You said that you were worried that you were going to be hit with a huge bill, which implies that you hadn't been saving for it.

You seem to have got the result that you hoped for by getting two years of free water which no doubt have been paid for by TW's customers