Can a company insist that I pay by meter?
In my existing home?
Companies can install meters in properties, but cannot insist that the existing householder pays by volume, except in certain specified circumstances which are set out in the legislation.
For instance, where a householder:
uses a sprinkler;
automatically fills a swimming pool;
has a large bath;
uses a reverse osmosis softening unit;
has a power shower; or
lives in an area of water scarcity.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs makes decisions about whether or not an area is 'an area of water scarcity'. At present only Folkestone and Dover Water has been declared an area of water scarcity.
In the past, some companies fitted meters to properties that had been altered or extended. Companies can no longer impose a meter on a customer in these circumstances. Some companies may, however, charge customers in altered properties, on the basis of a notional rateable value or an assessed charge.
Can my water company insist that I have a meter installed in my new home?
Water companies are entitled to install a water meter in a property when there is a change in occupancy as long as they have not yet issued a bill to the new occupier. They can then charge the new occupiers for water and sewerage services on a metered basis (the Water Industry 1991, section 144B, as amended by the Water Industry Act 1999).
Most companies install meters in new properties.