Business Meter Installation Project

Following a successful pilot programme, Scottish Water has launched a project to install water meters for businesses throughout Scotland which are currently on an unmeasured supply.

This project is as a result of a consultation, started by the Scottish Executive in 2004, which looked at future charges for water and waste water services for business customers.  The decision has been made to move away from charges based on the rateable value of business premises to a fairer, more transparent system of charges based on water usage, known as measured charges.  Water usage will be measured by installing water meters and this will mean that businesses in Scotland will in future pay for the amount of water they actually use.

Scottish Water will continue to own and maintain the water meters that are to be installed but all charging and billing is the responsibility of Scottish Water Business Stream, which took over the relationship with all businesses from 01 November 2006.

Scottish Water will be running a phased programme to assess the feasibility of installing a water meter at business premises. Scottish Water Business Stream will be contacting businesses over the next 15 months to advise what is happening as work starts in different areas. Scottish Water will require access to premises to conduct the meter survey, which shows what size of meter is required, as well as the best place to install it.  Ideally the meter will be installed inside the business premises.    

There is no charge for the survey, the meter or the installation as part of the Scottish Water programme.

Further information on the Business Meter Installation Project can be found on Scottish Water Business Stream’s website.   Alternatively you can call their Business Bureau on 0845 602 8855 and talk to a Customer Advisor.