Assessed water bill confusion

Moneysavingnovice1

I requested a water meter from Thames Water. They came to my property (a semi with a shared water supply with our next door neighbour) and realised they could not fit one. I was told by the TW fitter that I would be put on an assessed charge tariff and after contacting TW the same day and three days later to discuss my new charges, they agreed with me that I would be put on an assessed charge tariff and that my water bill would drop from £602 to around £480.  I waited for written confirmation of this and three weeks later I was informed that TW wouldn’t be making any changes to my bill and we’re keeping me on a Rateable Value tariff as I was “already on the lowest charge”. Clearly this is not the case if you look at the figures above. I am aware that water rates are going up soon but I believe l would still be better off on an Assessed charge tariff.  Ofwat say on their website that if a water company cannot fit a water meter, they must offer an assessed charge tariff. Is this correct or can TW ignore this as they have done here?  Hoping to get a bit of guidance with this thanks.

macman

My understanding is that it's not automatic. Once they have determined that they cannot fit a meter then you must apply for Assessed Billing. This may then take a few weeks, but your billing should be backdated to the date of application.
I wouldn't expect the fitter to be fully clued up on the exact admin side of the process.
You can easily work out what the AB total should be yourself. Post a) the no. of bedrooms, and b) whether you are a single occupier.
If it's a 3 b/r property with more than one occupier then the annual (AB) billing should be about £485.

Moneysavingnovice1

Ok, thanks for the comments. Interesting that it seems I have to apply for Assessed Billing when customer services agreed that I should be on an Assessed bill.  Yes my figures are about the same as yours, however they will be going up in April sadly.  AB should still be cheaper than RV hopefully.

Bigwheels1111

The exact amount for 3 bed assessed property with more than one person is £485.24.
We get water help, 50% discount so it’s £242.62.
I know the price has gone up but it’s £53.30, more than I had  will be asking why so much.