29 March 2006
Household water bills could rise to a 17-year high at the start of next month, if planned price increases go ahead.
According to the comparison and switching website uSwith.com, the average bill for water customers in England and Wales will see a 5.5% rise pushing water bills to their highest level since 1989.
The average customer will be paying £294 for their water needs each year.
Tim Wolfenden, senior product manager at uSwitch.com, said: "The increases couldn't come at a worse time for consumers, as they struggle to cope with the effects of record energy price rises.
"The water companies have made full use of the price rise limits set by Ofwat, with only two out of the twenty two companies choosing not to impose the maximum increase available to them."
People in the south east continue to face the added problem of water restrictions.
"The area is in the grip of one of the most serious droughts to affect the region in the last 100 years, and yet the seven water companies that have imposed restrictions on over six million customers were responsible for losing over 1.25 billion litres of water a day last year due to their failure to control leakages," Mr Wolfenden explained.
He added: "The water companies' response to those people concerned about how they can reduce their water bill is to encourage them to switch to a metered supply, so that they only pay for the water they actually use.
"While water meters may not result in cheaper bills for everyone, there are many households who would benefit by having one installed."
See how much you could save on your water bill with uSwitch.com
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