How does it work?

Now that the market has opened up to competition, business customers can choose who supplies their water and sewerage services. This will be similar to the energy sector where a range of suppliers provide services without actually producing the energy themselves.

“Who offers water and sewerage services?”

Scottish Water owns and operates the network of water and sewerage pipes in Scotland. It acts as the wholesaler in the market, selling water and sewerage services to suppliers. The suppliers pay Scottish Water a standard wholesale charge.

Suppliers (or 'licensed providers') supply retail services, such as billing, meter reading and handling customer enquiries. The current list of suppliers can be seen by clicking on Who is involved.

“How am I protected if I switch suppliers?”

Although they may offer different customer packages, all suppliers must also offer a standard ‘default’ level of service, for a ‘default’ tariff. This acts as a safety net to protect customers.

The default tariff is no more than the maximum charge that customers would have paid to Scottish Water if competition had not been introduced.

“Who can switch?”

If you are one of the 130,000 business customers in Scotland, you can choose your supplier, however big or small your business and wherever you are located.

Household customers in Scotland will continue to receive their water and sewerage services from Scottish Water and to pay their charges along with their Council Tax.

“How do I switch?”

Switching is simple. Contact the supplier you have chosen and they will contact the Central Market Agency to co-ordinate the switch. Your new supplier may ask you for your supply point identification number, which you can get from your existing supplier.