Water company explains how a meter could save cash

A water company is encouraging more of its customers to find out how a water meter could help save money and reduce environmental impact.

South West Water (SWW) said around 95% of customers saw their bills reduce after changing to a metered bill as they became more aware of their usage.

Last April, SWW customers' average bills rose by 28%, costing an additional 41 pence per day, which angered many.

John King, customer project manager, said: "Water meters help put customers back in control of their usage and bills, which is particularly important at a time when many households are already under pressure."

Currently, 83% of SWW customers have a meter, which measures the volume of water being used by a household and charges them based on this, meaning customers only pay for the water they use.

The firm is offering expert advice, free installation and billing support for those eligible.

It said meters also allow faster identification of leaks, access to a range of affordability tariffs and a selection of free-water saving devices.

Last week, the government announced new measures to overhaul the water industry in England and Wales in response to widespread public anger at increasing numbers of pollution incidents, leaks and water outages.

South West Water said it has implemented a Lowest Bill Guarantee, meaning customers will not pay more on a meter than they did on their previous unmeasured charges for the first two years.

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