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Business Water Comparison Guide
Since April 2017, UK businesses have had the option to switch business water suppliers, but few take advantage of this option. As with your business energy, you can compare business water suppliers to find the best deal, potentially saving your business hundreds of pounds each year.
Water is an essential utility, but your business doesn't have to accept the prices offered by your regional water provider. Find out if you could save money switching your business water supplier today by comparing water suppliers. You may find that you can substantially reduce your business water rates.
How do I Switch Business Water Suppliers?
To switch to a new business water contract, your company must be mainly based within a property primarily used as a business premises. This is because non-commercial properties cannot switch water suppliers. If you meet these criteria, you'll need to determine your current water consumption and how much you're paying. You can then use this information to compare the rates on offer from other business water suppliers.
Once you have compared business water prices and are ready to switch, you'll need your Supply Point Identification Number (SPID). Your SPID is 8 digits long and can be easily found on one of your water supply bills. Your new supplier will use this number to contact your old provider and move the supply across.
It typically takes around 28 days to switch to a new business water supplier. However, the actual switching time will depend on factors such as the number of premises you're switching, your location and your previous contract.
Reasons to Switch Business Water Supplier
Transparent pricing: No hidden extras, no additional costs, just cheaper water rates
Water audits: 'No saving, no fee' water audits available
Fixed service fee: Combine cheap wholesale prices with a fixed service fee
Easy set up: Once we’ve found the best deal, set up only takes a few minutes
How to Compare Business Water Suppliers
The first step to finding the best supplier is to conduct a water usage audit. Look at your business's water bills for the last 12 months and highlight any issues.
When you audit your business water bills, you may find billing issues, unexpected charges or high usage periods. Once you compare business water usage, you may find ways to improve water efficiency.
Your actual water bill will be completely bespoke to you, as many factors determine the price. For example, your business's location, size and water usage will all impact your overall water price.
By learning more about your water consumption, you will be better positioned to compare and negotiate new deals that may include business water meters, efficiency plans and tariffs.
Your business’s location will determine who supplies the water to your business premises, but you can choose who to pay as the wholesaler.
There are around 25 water suppliers across the UK, so there are plenty of options to compare.
Business Water FAQs
The most effective way of finding the best business water rates is to ensure you have a good understanding of what you're currently paying. Check your water bills and try to identify the following:
How much water your business is consuming.
The fees you're paying, including any irregular charges.
What you're paying overall for your water.
Once you have this information, use it to compare what's available elsewhere. At BusinessComparison, we make it quicker and easier to compare water suppliers. We compare the market for you to help you switch water suppliers in minutes.
If you haven't compared business water rates for a year or longer, it's likely that you could save money. Business water suppliers offer competitive pricing to attract new customers, so if you haven't switched for some time, you may miss out on a better rate.
The best commercial water suppliers are the ones that offer the most competitive business water rates, coupled with an approach that aligns with your business requirements and values. For example, if sustainability is important to your company, look for a water supplier with sustainability at the core of their offering.
In finding the best business water supplier, you could take the time to do your own research, trawling through each business water supplier to find the best rates. Alternatively, at BusinessComparison, we do the hard work for you, providing you with the best rate available to your business from our panel of suppliers.
SPID stands for Service Supply Identification Number. This is a unique 13-digit number that is used as a reference address for your water and sewerage services. Typically, your business will have two SPIDs, one for your water and another for your sewerage.
As with your business energy, wherein you can choose from gas, electricity or dual fuel tariffs, you may be able to choose a supplier that takes care of your water, sewerage or both.
Most UK businesses are eligible to switch business water suppliers, but there are some restrictions. You may need to complete an assessment if your business premises are mixed-use, and some properties are exempt from being able to switch, including the following:
Premises intended for accommodation run by management companies.
Local authority housing.
If the main property from which you operate your business is mixed-use, meaning it's used as a residential and commercial property, you may still be able to switch water. However, you may need to complete an assessment. Where you need to complete an assessment depends on the following:
You only pay business rates at your property - You may be able to switch water suppliers, but you'll need to complete an assessment
You only pay council tax at your property - You're not eligible to switch water suppliers
You pay business rates and council tax at your property - You may be able to switch water suppliers, but you'll need to complete an assessment
Some businesses in the UK may have been overcharged for water due to historic regional pricing. A comprehensive water audit that includes the following elements can ensure you pay the right water rates:
Sanitary checks
Usage and consumption
Drainage
Return to sewer
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