Wellswood Councillor Hazel Foster has today, Monday 16th September 2024, written to South West Water’s Chief Executive Susan Davy, demanding answers about a Seasonal Tariff “trial” which some local residents have been selected to take part in, whilst calling for a halt in the trial until key details are confirmed.
South West Water has written to householders who they have selected to be one of 3,500 businesses and homes to be placed on a new seasonal water charging system. Rather than pay a single price throughout the year, the rate for using water in summer will be higher than in winter. Their claim is this will help manage demand and reflect costs of peak periods, but residents are highlighting how this means paying more during warmer months when items like drinking water regularly and showering often are more needed.
Hazel states unhappy residents have been getting in touch with her after being advised by South West Water they will be placed on the new seasonal tariff from 1st October 2024. The letter sent to residents also advises bill payers South West Water will not publish the exact details of the summer tariff they will pay until February 2025, 4 months after the start of the trial.
Commenting Cllr Hazel Foster said: “It is unacceptable for residents to be forced onto a new tariff for their water bill without even knowing what they will be expected to pay as part of it. South West Water needs to have an urgent rethink, pause the trial whilst they confirm what residents will be expected to pay for their water supply as part of it and then give anyone selected by them the right to opt out if they wish.”
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