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Ofwat, the water regulator, is allowing business water suppliers a temporary increase in default water rates to offset bad-debt costs that rose significantly during the pandemic.
The market for water deregulated in 2017, allowing schools to choose their water supplier. Operating a school comes with many challenges, and understandably, worrying about water rates comes pretty low on the priorities list. Most schools have not considered switching water suppliers.
Businesses that have never switched water suppliers pay out-of-contract water rates on a deemed contract with their default supplier.
Each April, the default rates for water increase with inflation as the cost of maintaining and operating the local water network increases. April 2022 is different; not only will schools be hit with inflationary increases in the cost of water, but they will also be charged more due to Ofwat’s decision to raise the price cap.
Happily, there is an easy solution to avoid the ever-increasing cost of water by making a hassle-free switch to a fixed-term water contract offered by alternative water suppliers.
Schools can lock in cheaper business water rates for an agreed contract, just like they currently do with electricity and gas contracts.
See how much your school can save today with the AquaSwitch business water comparison tool.
There are plenty of other reasons why schools should consider comparing the water market for a better deal:
Are you happy with the customer services from your current water supplier?
Billing and charging complaints are the most common reason for dissatisfaction with business water suppliers.
You can benefit from faster, more responsive customer services by making the hassle-free switch to a water supplier that makes more of an effort to resolve customer issues.
See what your options are using the AquaSwitch water comparison service today.
Move to a green water tariff
The treatment and pumping of water around the country is a highly carbon-intensive activity.
Business water suppliers are now offering green water tariffs to help offset the environmental impact of a clean water supply.
See if your school can save money and help the environment by switching to a green tariff today.
Make savings on your school’s water rates
Water rates can be a significant overhead for schools due to considerable annual water consumption and surface water drainage charges that reflect the large footprint of the school grounds.
Comparing and switching water suppliers is easy, and schools can immediately make savings of up to 10% on total water rates by making the hassle-free switch.
Sources:
Majority of English schools pay out-of-contract rates – Ofwat state of the market report, slide 11. Â
Billing and charging complaints being the most common: State of the market report slide 16. (link above)
Ofwat price increase information can be found here and here.