Thames Water - Single Rate occupancy Tariff

PatrickN

I am a single occupant , and I moved into my current flat in 2004. And a few years ago I was made aware that there was a single occupancy tariff that should have been applied to my bill . I cannot see where on my bills since 2017, that this was ever applied.And now since I have gone onto a meter and my water bills have almost halved. I have spoken to TW , to request that the look at them possibly over charging me,since the single occupancy rate came into play around 2009, but they tell me that they were charging me the correct tarriff.
If the shoe was on the other foot ,TW  would be adjusting my bill to compenensate themselves with the difference. Why does this not apply, the other way?

freesha

The single occupancy tariff is only for assessed accounts. As you have a meter, your property was never eligible for any assessed rate.

MattMattMattUK

PatrickN said:

I am a single occupant , and I moved into my current flat in 2004. And a few years ago I was made aware that there was a single occupancy tariff that should have been applied to my bill . I cannot see where on my bills since 2017, that this was ever applied.And now since I have gone onto a meter and my water bills have almost halved. I have spoken to TW , to request that the look at them possibly over charging me,since the single occupancy rate came into play around 2009, but they tell me that they were charging me the correct tarriff.

You had to apply for the single occupancy rate, if you did not apply at the relevant time then you are not entitled to the discount. You have had the right to ask for a water meter for 30+ years and if they were unable to fit one then you would have gone onto assessed charges which are even lower than the single occupancy rate. 

PatrickN said:

If the shoe was on the other foot ,TW  would be adjusting my bill to compenensate themselves with the difference. Why does this not apply, the other way?

The other way around would have you been falsely claiming a discount you were not entitled to, they would the subsequently charge you what you were required to pay. As you were billed correctly over the relevant period, the discount does not apply unless applied for, you are not entitled to "compensation", the fault unfortunately is with you. 

Cardew

As indicated above, the only way to get a 'single occupancy' charge would have been to apply for a meter and the water company be unable to fit a meter(the often happens in flats).

Had the above occurred you would have been offered an 'assessed charge' and there is a lower assessed charge for a single occupant.

However as a meter could be fitted, you were never entitled to a single occupancy tariff.