Consumer watchdog shares tips to take the heat out of bills
Trialling the potential benefits of a water meter and getting savvy with your use of hot water are just two ways that Consumer Council for Water (CCW) is recommending to help take some of the heat out of rising water and energy bills.
CCW is sharing its top tips to help people save money before they get hit with a deluge of rising household bills on 1 April, which could deepen the cost of living crisis.
Water bills are often overlooked when it comes to cutting costs but CCW says there are substantial savings to be made for many households.
“We want to take the worry out of water bills for households that face being overwhelmed by a wave of rising living costs this April.
We know that water is often overlooked when it comes to cutting bills but there are substantial savings to be made – whether that’s trialling a water meter or taking shorter showers which has the added benefit of reducing your energy bills too. Many low-income customers might also be eligible for reduced bills through water company social tariffs or schemes like WaterSure.”
Emma Clancy, Chief Executive of CCW – the voice for water consumers
CCW’s three steps to saving money on water and energy bills
1. Trial a water meter – our typical saving £100.
For the four out of ten households who still not do not have a water meter, it’s worth checking if you might be better off with one. Not everyone will save money, but if you choose to move to a meter you will have two years to trial it and switch back during that time if you’re unhappy. The CCW water meter calculator can help you work out if you might save. Find out more about switching.
If you are already paying metered charges, you can claim a pack of free water-saving devices to help you soak up savings around the home and get a water-saving plan tailored to you, by joining Get Water Fit.
2. Reduce your hot water use for an April shower of savings.
Much of the water we use in the home comes from the hot tap. That means if you have a water meter you can double up on water and energy savings too.
If every person in a family of four halved their daily shower time from ten minutes to five minutes they could save almost £700 a year (combined water and energy savings with family using an electric shower).
3. Reduce your bills with a low-income social tariff – typical saving £148.
We offer a reduced tariff to low-income customers, called Assure, which will cut your bill by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second. Find out if you're eligible for Assure.
Posted: 22 March 2022