Firms 'missing out on £5m' water savings

Published on Sunday 1 February 2009 20:37

A REPORT published today by the Water Industry Commission for Scotland has revealed that two-thirds of companies have failed to review their water and sewerage provider nine months after the business water market was opened to competition.

The organisation claims that firms are missing out on collective savings of up to 5 million every year by failing to find the best deal.

Alan Sutherland, chief executive of WICS, said: "Competition has been introduced into Scotland's water industry so that non-domestic customers can get the best possible deal on their water bills. We're pleased to see that in only nine months, around one-third of Scotland's businesses have already benefited.

"However, many more businesses are being left out of pocket by failing to explore the new choices open to them. Switching supplier or renegotiating your business' existing package is a straightforward way to reduce your water bills, and given the economic circumstances, there's never been a better time to explore the options."

Business water supply was opened up to competition last April, when the industry was deregulated. Wholesaler Scottish Water created a spin-out company, Business Stream, to supply business customers. Firms now have the choice to buy their water from Business Stream or its three competitors – Satec, Ondeo Industrial Solutions and Osprey Water Services .

Scotland was the first country in the world to open up its business water market to competition.