FAQs

This section of our site is dedicated to helping businesses like yours get to grips with the changes taking place across England’s water market this year.

We’ve tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions below but if you’d like more information or would find it helpful to get some tailored advice for your business, please get in touch.

Your FAQs answered

Q. What is happening?

A. From April 2017, the non-domestic water market in England will open. Put simply, this means that all businesses will be able to choose who they go to for their water and waste water services. Whilst nothing will change about the water reaching you or the pipes it passes through to get there, you will get to choose the licensed water retailer who takes your meter readings, processes your bills and handles your customer account.

Q. Who is affected?

A. All businesses. Whilst non-domestic water customers who use in excess of 5ML (mega litres) per year are already able to switch water supplier, the changes will mean that all businesses, regardless of size or region, will be able to choose who provides their water and waste water services. The changes will be similar to those which took place in Scotland during 2008 and will also mean that businesses operating across England and Scotland will be able to consolidate bills for sites in both countries. The changes taking place this year will not affect businesses in Wales.

Q. Why is England introducing these changes?

A. Our water services are under ever-increasing pressure due to England’s growing population. Climate change is also a driver for change across the industry, as the need for sustainability takes centre stage. Open Water is an initiative designed to change the way businesses use water and the way that water companies operate, by encouraging streamlined processes and innovation for the future. When the open market arrives in April 2017, water companies will need to be more innovative, more efficient and more attentive to what their customers want. Businesses can expect improved customer services, added value packages and, over time, lower prices.

Q. What will happen if I don’t change my supplier?

A. If your current licensed provider maintains their license to act as a supplier, nothing will change and your sites will remain on the default tariff. If your current provider has decided to exit the commercial market, your supply will be allocated by the Central Market Agency. From April 2017 SES Business Water will be able to supply businesses with one consolidated bill for both their water and waste water services. Already an SES business Water customer? Find out more about how the changes affect you.

Q. What should I do next?

A. If you are not currently an SES Business Water customer and would like to find out how moving to us can benefit your business, please fill in our form and one of our water experts will get in touch.

Get in touch

We hope you’ve found the information contained on this page helpful. If you have any queries or would like to know more about the open water market and how your water services will change, please get in touch on sales@sesbusinesswater.co.uk or call us on 0203 750 9300.

If you would like to register your interest in switching your services to SES Business Water after April 1st 2017, let us know now and we’ll do the rest. Simply complete the form.