The people who do not want you to know about free water meters;


4 The notes of the meetings on 20 July and 17 November 1999 included
representatives from North West Water, the Customer Services Committee
(CSC) and Ofwat. The notes cover customer information on meter provision and
support to vulnerable groups. It is for companies to present this information to
customers. A review of company customer literature shows that at least since
2008 information on free meters was openly available.
Roger Dunshea, Director of Finance and Business Services
Direct line: 01216447624 Fax: 0121 644 7533 e-mail: roger.dunshea@ofwat.gsi.gov.uk Website: www.ofwat.aov,uk

Just look at minutes of a meeting held in 1999 between Consumer reps and the water companies.Proof if proof was needed that they do not want to publicise water meters.

JM explained that NWT would include with the bill a statement that there was a meter option available and ask its customers if they would like any further information. JM said that they had considered not explaining that a meter would be fitted free at this stage. However, people requesting further information would receive literature stating that the meter option was free of charge.

The CSC supported a low key approach in promoting the free meter entitlement.

CW asked how NWT would promote the free meter option to unmeasured customers experiencing payment difficulties who could benefit from moving to a measured charge. JM explained that if an unmeasured customer is having difficulty in paying its bill NWT will advise the customer that it may be beneficial for them to have a meter installed i.e. depending on the rateable value of its property and typical usage. CW stressed that they should continue to promote the meter option to vulnerable customers.”

pat114:

...you should pay for what you use...

...the charges should not be bases on rateable values from the Poll Tax days...

On the first point, in general I agree, but I would advocate less strident advice, perhaps this should be considered...

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en-gb/factsheets/fs69_water_advice_october_2010_fcs.pdf

Your message that "metering will save money" is a *principle* I can't automatically accept, since the Eon Staywarm energy tariff is an unmetered tariff for the over 60's, and I think the cost of keeping warm is a greater concern than the cost of water.

Agreed.Remember the water companies are Monopolies.You cannot like Gas and Electricity use a comparison site and decide to switch.I have fell out badly with United Utlities but because it is a service I cannot do without, have to meekly accept what they say.The Regulator is more or less saying like it and lump it,you have your meter now so forget about the huge overpayments.

You should pay only for what you use, I agree.

However, when it comes to comparison between the generous Scottish and the miserable English systems, as with most things, parity or fairness are words that do not seem to apply. Free prescriptions and free care for the elderly initially spring to mind.

You should pay for what you use.
The charges should not be bases on rateable values from the Poll Tax days.
Compare the Scottish system with its generous discounts to the English system.

That's fine for a few, until they have managed to persuade the mass population that meters are cheaper and people have them fitted. Then they will just increase the unit price of water to maintain the same levels of revenue, and alter the legislation to stipulate once a meter has been fitted it will be considered a permanent fixture.

Please please if you live alone or have elderly relatives get them to try a water meter.
The Water Companies and even organisations tasked to protect us do not give enough publicity to this.It costs them money.
By law they have to fit a smart meter free and after 13 months if you want to go back to your present payment you can.
The consumer council for Water have told me there are winners and losers in the archaic charging system used in England and Wales.
Scotland operate a much fairer system with checks and balances.
Suffice to say I am set to save £250-00 a year and this is before I use my own conservation ideas.
Please please check your elderly relatives are using them.Save them hundreds of pounds,they will not be bothered by readers as they are automatic.AGE UK have a fact sheet number 69 but I would not have seen it or the information below unless I had complained.I have been refused compensation.

YOUR CURRENT YEARLY BILL UNITED UTILITIES FIGURES
ONE PERSON £300-£400 SAVINGS POSSIBLE £45-£145
£400-£500 SAVINGS POSSIBLE £145-£245
£500-£600 SAVINGS POSSIBLE £245-£345
TWO PEOPLE £400-£500 SAVINGS POSSIBLE £28-£128
£500-£600 SAVINGS POSSIBLE £128-£228