why am i being charged a fixed rate when i am on a water meter?

[pinkfluffo]

I moved in to my property last year. It already had a water meter fitted. I pay �12.46 a month on a fixed rate. My first bill said that this was based on an estimated usage. I dont feel i use �12.46 of water a month so will i get credit back at some point? and am i being metered for my water or not? Because i thought on a meter i only pay for what i use? If i am being charged a fixed rate then technically am i not being measured and can use what i like?? Any help much appreciated.

[Rtaxron]

Yes you will get credit pinkfluffo. I pay by D/D and 2 years ago they sent me a letter to say I was about �120 in credit and stopped taking money from my account till it was back to normal.
I have changed my monthly payments as well, so don't pay as much.
I wish the gas/electric company's were as honest.

[Rtaxron]

Sorry forgot to say, I am on a meter as well.

[ianmunt]

Sounds like you have a direct debit set up,possibly the amount being taken is based on the previous occupants usage.Check your actual usage over a quarter year and compare this with the amount you are billed.Depending on the discrepancy, contact your supplier and get the debitted amount adjusted

[anniebird]

I have a meter and pay a bill based on the meter reading in September and March each year.

[showcatbenga]

You need to read your meter (lol) then compare the actual reading with the estimated one. If it is way out in either direction call the company & tell them. They will send an amended bill & or refund if necessary.
I'm laughing at the 'read the meter' part 'cos I just remembered reading mine for the first time. I had to lie down on the pavement in front of a shop & shine a torch down the hole - no-one batted an eyelid!

[Brooksy]

You are charged not only for water that you draw from the main, but also for disposal of your waste/rainwater. Under the old rateable system I was paying �440 per annum. Now on a meter I pay �240 pa with Thames Water. Sounds like you`re getting a reasonable deal.

[pinkfluffo]

I pay for waste/disposal seperately. Im not sure howto read a water meter. :O .I was being charged afixed rate i think because the meter wasnt reading properly and someone came to fix it but ********* it up so they could only estimateour bill. Surely thats not my fault though if they cant read it properly? Anyway someone has since fixed it again so im hoping they will be able to take readings from now on? Altho im still paying the fixed rate and will be until july :O Thanks for your help.

[karelat1]

hi -

with water bills (if you are not on a meter). you pay for the water, based on the value of your home (NOT how much water you use). this is known as rateable value water charging.

like on you council tax, it goes from band A to F and depending on your house/area - the more/less you pay.

i.e = in me old house, the water was �182 a year, and the council tax was band A = �900 a year or close to that.

now i moved house, i have gone to council tax band d = �1500 a year, and the water is apparently now on a meter, and we got an estimated bill for the next year of �351.00. as according to the water board it goes off how many people live at the house (there 2 of us), and we only moved in two weeks ago! but was assured by the water board, that the meter was read two weeks before we moved in (and at that time the house was empty leading up tp us moving in (sparing a few painters). also the water board are saying that water meters are now compulsory, oncer there installed they stay.

best bet is to read the back of your bill