Households in England with large gardens or hot tubs could soon face higher water bills under proposed tiered pricing plans aimed at promoting water conservation. Water companies are exploring new billing models, including “block pricing,” that would charge households progressively more as their water usage increases.
Affinity Water, serving over 3.9 million people in the South East of England, is leading the charge. The company plans to expand an initial block pricing trial, which ran from 2023 to 2025 for 1,500 homes, to as many as 14,000 households. This would represent the largest trial of its kind, though specific details of the scheme are still being finalized.
Under the proposed system, households would receive an initial allotment of 30,000 litres of water at no charge. Beyond this, prices would increase in blocks, with customers paying £1.51 per 1,000 litres once usage exceeds 215,000 litres, and £4 per 1,000 litres for consumption over 245,000 litres. There is also consideration of adding a fourth tier for “very high users.”
READ MORE: DWP Urged to Scrap Triple Lock State Pension Guarantee for Wealthier Households
READ MORE: Bilston Man with Dangerous Interest in Girls Jailed After Graphic Online Chats
Similarly, Portsmouth Water, which supplies more than 300,000 households in Hampshire and West Sussex, is piloting a similar program focused on discouraging excessive water use by applying surcharges to higher consumption levels.
Charity Citizens Advice has raised concerns about the impact of rising water costs. Anne Pardoe emphasized the importance of safeguards to protect vulnerable groups such as families and disabled individuals, stating, “Any changes to how people are charged for water must be designed to protect – not penalise – consumers.”
Affinity Water reported that most customers in their initial trial saved money through increased water efficiency, with full results expected later this year. Portsmouth Water stressed their commitment to fairness and inclusivity, aiming to reward positive conservation efforts rather than punish customers.
As water companies explore these innovative pricing models, the balance between encouraging sustainable water use and safeguarding consumers’ financial wellbeing remains a critical consideration.