A Martin Lewis fan shared how she managed to reduce her annual water bill by £400. Jennifer, a reader of MoneySavingExpert.com, discovered that her bill was set to exceed £800 per year. Upon seeking advice on the MSE website, she explored a water social tariff option and found that she could slash her bill by 50%.
Water social tariffs offer discounted rates on water and sewerage charges, typically catering to low-income individuals or those receiving benefits. The eligibility criteria and support offerings vary among water companies, with an estimated 3.8 million households potentially missing out on these benefits.
In a recent MSE newsletter, Jennifer expressed her delight after securing a 50% reduction on her water bill through the social tariff program. For instance, Affinity Water limits water bills to £143.80 annually, or £95.80 for recipients of council tax support.
To qualify for such assistance, individuals must earn less than £19,995 (excluding benefits) or be beneficiaries of specific benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Different water companies provide varying levels of support, such as South East Water’s Big Difference tariff offering a 30% discount for households with incomes between £17,000 and £21,000.
As water bills in England and Wales are projected to increase by an average of £33 annually starting this April, it becomes crucial to explore available cost-saving measures. While switching water providers is not an option, adopting simple water-saving habits like reducing shower time and fixing leaks can significantly impact your bill.
Additionally, obtaining a water meter and utilizing free water-saving devices, accessible through platforms like Save Water Save Money, can further aid in reducing water expenses. Following expert advice like that of Martin Lewis, who recommends adjusting water usage based on household size, can also help in saving money in the long run.