What is going on?
You can choose your water and sewerage supplier
Since 1 April 2008, all 130,000 business customers in Scotland have been able to choose their water and sewerage supplier.
This includes all commercial organisations as well as schools, hospitals and other public sector organisations. In fact, all non-household users are now able to choose the water supplier that best meets their needs.
Scotland is the first country in the world to offer business customers a genuine opportunity to choose the water and sewerage supplier they use. This competition could bring benefits such as:
- Lower prices.
- Improved services.
- Increased innovation.
- Wider choice.
It is quick and easy to choose water supplier, as your supplier will handle everything.
According to Steve Hobson, editor of Utility Week: “Splitting Scottish Water into separate retail and wholesale divisions has already revealed unforeseen benefits, simply by clearly identifying cost structures and encouraging the retail arm, Business Stream, to focus on the needs of its customers.”
Read the full article.
How Scottish Water is affected
Scottish Water still acts as a monopoly wholesaler and distributor, as well as supplying domestic customers with water and sewerage services. It is responsible for operating and maintaining the network of water and sewerage pipes, as well as sellng wholesale water services to the current Scottish water companies.
Scottish Water created a separate retail business called Business Stream, to serve non-household customers. Business Stream now competes with the other suppliers, all working so your business or public sector organisation will choose them as a water supplier. Competition will develop further as more water suppliers enter the market.
Competition in the water industry has been introduced at a retail level only. As such, businesses are able to choose their water and sewerage service suppliers quickly and easily.