The water market is due to move more in line with the commercial electricity and gas market as of 2017.
Here is a quick overview:
When
1st April 2017.
The Current Situation
There are 18 retailers in England. They also control the wholesale side of business.
Wholesale basically covers abstraction, delivery and disposal, whereas retail covers billing and customer care.
Some 93% of the bill is made up of wholesale costs.
If a single site uses more than 5,000 m3 p.a. they can switch supplier. A supplier is not allowed to bid for in area business.
From now until 1st April 2017
The existing retailers and new entrants have until the end of the year to submit their applications to become a licenced supplier.
Post April 1st 2017
Any non-household supply can appoint a supplier of their choice.
Market Operator Services Ltd (MOSL) are the Elexon/Xoserve equivalent.
Summary
1) Each supply should have a SPID( Supply Point ID) for both water and waste water. but so far the database is not complete.
2) The profit margin for retail is very small. It is unlikely we will see the level of discount possible in Scotland and a single figure % saving should be expected.
Control Energy Costs are technical analysts and experts in the areas of electricity, gas and water and would be delighted to speak with any Made In The Midlands member about the opening up of the water markets and how they could benefit.