- Wholesale charges are non-negotiable and identical across retailers
- Retail margin is small in % terms but is the only lever you have
- Check for surface-water drainage rebates before renewing
- Trade-effluent charges are often over-estimated — challenge the data
The wholesale block
Volumetric water, volumetric sewerage, fixed standing charges and surface-water drainage all sit on the wholesale side. Ofwat approves these charges annually and every retailer pays the same underlying rate.
The retail block
Retail margin covers billing, customer service, meter reading and account management. It is single-digit percent of the total bill — but it is the only percentage you are actually comparing between retailers.
Surface-water drainage rebates
If your site drains rainwater to a soakaway rather than the public sewer, you may be eligible for a surface-water drainage rebate — worth chasing before any switch.
Trade-effluent charges
Manufacturing, food and laundry sites often pay a Mogden-formula trade-effluent charge on top. Retailers can help you challenge the sampling data behind it.
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