Customer bills stay well below inflation Investment paid for by average bills of £1.17 per day, per household, with metered customers paying even less
£60million war on leakage continues – Anglian Water is best in business as leaks drop even further
Fourth year of £5billion commitment to maintain and improve water and sewerage services in the five years to 2020
Anglian Water has today unveiled a huge investment programme for the year ahead, worth £384million. Customer bills will remain broadly flat with an increase of less than a penny a day for the coming year. It means Anglian Water bills today are less than they were five years ago, as the water company tops the table for the lowest bill increases since privatisation – just 10% in nearly 30 years*.
The investment will be targeted at maintaining and improving customer services across the East of England. The funds will be ploughed into the areas that customers say matter most to them including reducing leakage even further, providing top quality drinking water, protecting against severe weather such as drought and flooding and tackling the impacts of climate change.
This is the fourth year of Anglian Water’s £5billion commitment to 2020, which will be paid for by average bills of just £1.17 per day for an entire family – less than a litre of bottled water or one barista coffee.
The company has been able to keep this year’s increase to 0.7%, well below the level of inflation (CPI 2.8% in November 2017 when the following year’s bills are calculated),
Since privatisation almost 30 years ago, Anglian Water has increased customer bills by just 10% – far less than any other water company, and far less than increases in other household bills like energy, TV, mobile phones and food. Electricity on its own has gone up by 25% in a shorter time frame**. This is testament to the business’ on-going efficiency drive and its long term commitment to passing savings back to customers.
The stable bills have been maintained while continuing to invest in robust infrastructure to prepare for a future with more people but fewer raindrops.
Jane Taylor, Head of Customer Services at Anglian Water, said: “Bills are still lower than they were five years ago thanks to the price reductions we have promised and delivered. We’re always doing everything we can to run our business more efficiently, which translates into value for money for our customers, all while still investing heavily in the things they care about most.
“This year’s small bill increase is evidence of the water industry’s tough regulation working to benefit and protect customers.”
Anglian Water’s yearly bill calculations are affected by two factors: how many people move in and out of the region, and how much water those customers use during that year. At the end of each year, the predicted and actual figures are reconciled. If Anglian Water’s revenue is higher than predicted, this money is passed back to customers straight away. This reimbursement to customers has meant Anglian Water bills are practically flat this year, despite inflation, and the system is a great example of where regulation of the water monopoly is ensuring fair charges and properly protecting customers financially.
Jane continued: “The average bill of £1.17 per day pays for all the water you need to wash and drink, and for every flush of the loo and cycle of the dishwasher. But more than that, it helps us build and look after a water network that protects both the environment and our customers.”
“Water meters are still the best way to save money, and the savings speak for themselves. The average annual metered bill comes in £171 cheaper than a bill without a meter. It’s a win-win because it’s free to switch to a meter, and if you change your mind you can switch back, for free, within two years.”
In the East of England, 85 per cent of homes now have a meter. Average bills for metered customers are just £1.10 per day, £397.57 for the year – an increase on last year of 1 per cent, or less than 1 pence per day. Anglian Water also offers a free home visit from a qualified plumber who’ll fit free water saving gadgets and give customers helpful water saving tips.
