It’s true, the water market is going through some heavy changes and if you’re a business owner in England you can get ready for lower prices and better customer service. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about business water deregulation (and what it means for your business).
In April 2017, the water industry in England begins to deregulate and the barriers to competition start to come down. If you are a business, charity or public sector organization, it means you will be able to switch the retail part of your water services to your choice of service provider. This is something that a lot of businesses have been looking forward to for a very long time.
From 1 April, you will be a free agent – you will be able to switch your water supplier whenever you choose. Only 1 in 4 English businesses are informed about the upcoming water deregulation, and many don’t understand the potential benefits of this change in the market. That is exactly why this article was written. To make sure you, as a business owner, know that you can make these changes and what it might mean for your business.
It’s all about customer services and price. The water industry is worth £3 billion – and each water supplier has a monopoly on its geographical area.
After years of dealing with complaints about poor customer service and high prices, Ofwat asked the 14 regional water companies in England to split their businesses between wholesale (the infrastructure) and retail (customer service and billing).
With businesses free to switch water supplier whenever they want, customer service should improve… and the prices should drop.
England’s business water market is deregulating in April 2017. That’s when you’ll be able to switch business water supplier whenever you want.
Scotland deregulated its water industry in 2008. At the start, many customers in Scotland were critical of the service they were receiving from Scottish Water. The government decided to break its monopoly to force improvements.
Customers felt that any alternative was a bonus and was prepared to switch regardless of price. Many did just that and we think the same thing will happen in England, too. Since the market deregulated in 2008, many Scottish businesses receive a better service and lower prices.
[pullquote]Yes, but we don’t yet know what the prices will be in 2017. Initial savings will probably be small, with bigger savings to come in 2020.[/pullquote]
Ofwat will make even bigger changes to the water market in 2020, which is why you should expect to see prices drop even further. Whatever happens with prices in 2017, you’re almost certain to see a saving eventually. You can choose whichever water supplier you want. Switching sends a strong message about quality customer service.
The short answer: we don’t know yet. We do know that not enough businesses are aware that the water market will be deregulated from next year. Only 4 in 10 English businesses know that change is on the way, and only 1 in 4 feel informed about how deregulation will affect them.
The more you know about deregulation, the more likely you are to switch and save.
You’ll be able to switch and save when you want. That means you no longer have to tolerate poor customer service and high prices. The savings you make will allow you to invest more in your business, and perhaps even generate more revenue.
For businesses running across multiple locations, there’s also a plus side when it comes to administration. Instead of dealing with five water suppliers in five different places, you can align your entire business operation under one supplier. That will save you time and allow you to focus on other things.
You could also benefit from lower CO2 emissions, water efficiencies, and better monitoring and understanding of how you use water, allowing you to make even more savings.
Water market deregulation is a major positive for businesses in England and Scotland. With savings and better customer service on the horizon, it’s an exciting opportunity.
Prepare your business and get ready to switch in April 2017. For more information, please call utilitywise at 0333 920 9973 or email them at info@utilitywise.com.
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