Switch your business water provider!

In the UK, businesses can choose from various water suppliers and tariff options, thanks to the deregulation of the business water market. Here are the main types of business water deals available:
Fixed Rate Contracts Similar to fixed-rate energy tariffs, fixed water deals lock in your unit rates for a specified period. This provides price certainty and protects your business from potential price increases during the contract.
Variable Rate Contracts With variable-rate contracts, the price you pay for water can fluctuate based on market conditions. While this option offers flexibility, it also carries the risk of price hikes.
Water and Wastewater Bundles Some suppliers offer bundled deals that combine water and wastewater services into one contract. This can simplify billing and offer better overall value by consolidating services.
Flexible Contracts These contracts are more adaptable and can allow businesses to adjust usage levels or switch between different rates based on seasonal demand or changing business needs. This option is ideal for businesses with fluctuating water usage.
Discounted Contracts for Multi-Site Businesses If your business operates across multiple locations, you may be eligible for discounted rates by consolidating your water supply contracts. Many suppliers offer deals tailored to businesses with multi-site operations, which can result in significant savings.
Green Water Tariffs For businesses committed to sustainability, some water suppliers offer green tariffs that focus on environmentally friendly water usage practices. These deals may include water efficiency audits and support for reducing your environmental impact.
Pay-As-You-Go Tariffs Pay-as-you-go contracts allow businesses to pay for the water they use on a month-to-month basis without committing to a long-term contract. This can be beneficial for smaller businesses or those with unpredictable water usage.

To find the best water deal for your business, it's important to compare offers from multiple suppliers. Factors to consider include your business size, water usage patterns, and whether you want a fixed or variable rate. You can also look into additional services like water efficiency audits, which can help reduce costs in the long term.
By switching suppliers or negotiating a better deal, UK businesses can save on water costs and manage their water usage more effectively.

Business water tariffs are not necessarily cheaper than domestic water tariffs in the UK. The cost difference between business and household water rates depends on various factors, such as the size of the business, its water consumption, and the location.
To determine whether business energy tariffs are cheaper than household ones, it’s essential to break down the standard costs that appear on both types of bills:
Here’s a breakdown of key differences:
Pricing Structure Business water tariffs often come with more flexible pricing options than domestic rates. Businesses can negotiate tailored contracts and potentially access better rates through bulk usage or multi-site discounts. Domestic customers, on the other hand, typically pay standard rates set by the local water company without the ability to negotiate.
Water Usage Businesses usually consume more water than households, which can lead to higher overall bills. However, unit rates for water (the cost per cubic meter) may be lower for businesses, especially those with high consumption, as suppliers may offer discounted rates for large-volume users.
Standing Charges Standing charges (a fixed daily or monthly fee) for business water tariffs are often higher than for households. This is because businesses typically require more infrastructure and maintenance, resulting in higher base costs.
Wastewater Charges Businesses usually pay more for wastewater services, especially if they produce large amounts of wastewater or require additional treatment. Domestic wastewater charges are more standardized.
Water Efficiency Support Some business water suppliers offer efficiency audits and consultancy services to help reduce water consumption and lower bills, an option not typically available to domestic customers.

When a business water contract ends in the UK, the following scenarios typically occur:
Automatic Roll Onto a Default Tariff If no new contract is arranged before the current one expires, your business is likely to be moved onto a more expensive "default" or "out-of-contract" tariff. These rates are higher than negotiated contract rates, so it's important to act before the contract end date to avoid overpaying.
Opportunity to Negotiate a New Deal Before the end of the contract, your water supplier should notify you, giving you time to compare water suppliers and find a better deal. This is your chance to negotiate a new contract with your current provider or switch to a new supplier for more competitive rates.
Rolling Contract Option Some suppliers may offer a 30-day rolling contract if a new agreement isn’t reached by the contract’s end date. These rolling contracts provide more flexibility, allowing you to switch without being locked into a long-term deal, but the rates may still be higher than those offered on a fixed-term contract.
Switching Suppliers At the end of your contract, you are free to switch suppliers without any exit fees. This is an ideal time to compare offers from other water suppliers to secure better rates, improved services, or bundled deals for water and wastewater services.
Reviewing Your Business Water Needs When a contract ends, it's a good time to assess your business’s water usage. You may be able to negotiate more favorable terms based on your consumption patterns or take advantage of additional services like water efficiency audits or multi-site discounts.

To avoid being placed on out-of-contract rates, it’s recommended to:

Keep track of your contract end date.
Begin comparing water suppliers and offers at least 3-6 months before the contract expires.
Negotiate with your existing supplier or switch to a new provider for better rates and terms.

Taking action before your business water contract ends can help you avoid higher costs and ensure you get the most competitive rates available for your business.

You can switch your business energy supplier under the following circumstances:

• When Your Switching Window Opens. This is the specific period during which you can compare and switch water suppliers without penalties. The timing depends on your current supplier and contract type, so keep track of when your window opens to secure the best deal.
• When Moving to New Business Premises If you move into a new location, it's important to set up a new water deal immediately. Otherwise, you’ll be placed on ‘deemed rates,’ which are significantly more expensive than negotiated rates.
• As Soon As Possible – Water prices may fluctuate, and prices tend to rise annually. Locking in a new deal early can help you secure lower rates and avoid potential price increases as your contract approaches its end.

Your switching window is the earliest time you can compare water prices and arrange a new deal. It’s your supplier’s responsibility to notify you when this window opens. Typically, it begins 90 days before your contract ends, but this timeframe can vary, so it's important to check your contract for specific details. If you operate a microbusiness, keep in mind that the rules around switching may differ from those for other SMEs.
Regardless of the length of your switching window, your supplier must provide written confirmation of when it opens, along with details about their automatic renewal policies and the terms of their deemed contracts.

No, your business will not experience any disruption during the supplier switching process. The transition is typically seamless, allowing you to change suppliers without impacting your operations. You won't need to worry about any installations at your premises, as the new provider will use the same pipes as your previous supplier. Enjoy a hassle-free switch while maintaining your business's energy supply!.

When moving to a new business premises, your water contract may either be transferred to the new location or canceled. If your contract is canceled, you'll be placed on a costly ‘deemed rates’ contract with the existing supplier at your new property. To avoid these high rates, it’s essential to set up a new water deal as soon as possible. Be proactive in managing your energy supply during the transition to ensure you secure the best rates for your business.

Out-of-contract rates are default tariffs applied by your supplier when:

• Your current contract has expired, and you haven’t arranged a new one with your existing provider or another supplier.
• Your switch to a different water supplier has been delayed, resulting in a gap between the end of your old contract and the start of your new one.

To avoid paying out-of-contract rates, you must sign up for a new water deal, either with your current supplier or a new one. Don’t miss out on potential savings—take action to secure the best rates for your business!