If you’re a non-household customer looking to switch water supplier, compare water suppliers, or you need a new connection, you’re in the right place.
Scotland on Tap is here to provide you with all the facts about the competitive nature of the Scottish water and sewerage market, in order to help you make an informed choice of supplier.
Competition in the Water Industry
Scotland is the first country in the world to offer non-household customers choice in their water supplier.
Since 1 April 2008, all 130,000 businesses, public sector, charitable and not-for-profit organisations in Scotland have been presented with a variety of suppliers to choose from.
Business water rates are now competitive, and the introduction of competition in the water industry in Scotland has brought wider choice and more tailored services, and is leading to lower prices.
How Does Competition in the Water Industry Work?
The network of water and sewerage pipes in Scotland is wholly owned by Scottish Water. It acts as the wholesaler in the market, selling water and sewerage services to the water companies, known as suppliers. Having bought their wholesale services from Scottish Water, the suppliers then bundle these services with other value-adding offerings and sell them to customers.
A default rate exists - the upper limit for prices - but within that rate, suppliers’ prices will vary.
The Water Industry Commission for Scotland is the economic regulator of the Scottish water industry and it exists to protect you, the customer, by monitoring supplier activity, prices and service.
How Does Competition in the Water Industry Affect Me?
Competition in the Scottish Water Industry affects small, medium and large businesses, charities and non-profit organisations - collectively known as non-household customers. Non-household customers will choose the water supplier that best meets their needs, which means that suppliers are encouraged to make their offering more attractive. This can result in:
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Lower water and sewage prices
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Improved services
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Greater water efficiency
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More innovation in the industry
Water industry competition also affects suppliers, and those wishing to become a supplier.
Households are not affected, with all households in Scotland continuing to receive water and sewerage services from Scottish Water and paying charges along with Council Tax.
Changing Water Supplier or Setting up a New Connection
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ReducedWater Bills
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BetterService
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HelpfulAdvice
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SaveMoney
Changing water supplier, or setting up a new water connection, is easier than you might think and generally takes less than a month from start to finish. You might wish to change water supplier for any one of a number of reasons - perhaps you’d like to reduce water bills, get better service from your water supplier, or get advice from your water supplier on using less water to help save money.
Scotland on Tap recommends that you consult our list and compare water suppliers, contact those from which you’d like more information, and select the one that best meets your needs. When you’ve chosen your supplier, simply contact them with your Supply Point Identification Number (SPID)Your SPID is the reference used to identify which services your premises receive. You should find the SPID for your premises on your latest bill. and your new supplier will take care of the rest.
Who Supplies My Water?
Perhaps you’re reading all about how to change water supplier and potentially reduce your water bills but you’re unsure who your current supplier is.
If you’re asking yourself “who supplies my water?”, you have a few options:
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1Consult your latest bill
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2Find a historical bill
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3Consult any of the current suppliers
I've Received an Unexpected Water Bill
If you have received a water bill that you weren’t expecting, you should contact your supplier for help understanding why it has been sent to you. They’ll tell you what it covers, and what your payment options are. Business water rates will never exceed the default rate set by the Water Commission.
If you believe you have grounds for complaint against your supplier, click here for information on how to do so.