In recent news, Anglian Water Services Limited has announced that it will be issuing refunds to its customers. The water company has decided to compensate customers who were affected by the unexpected rise in the cost of water last year. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Anglian Water Services Limited refunds and everything you need to know about them.
Firstly, let’s talk a little bit about the rise in water costs that occurred last year. In April 2020, Anglian Water Services Limited increased its average water bill by 2.7%, which was higher than the rate of inflation. This was a surprise to many customers who were already struggling to make ends meet, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reported that the increase would add an extra £8 to the average annual water bill.
After the rise in water costs, many customers complained to Anglian Water Services Limited and even to the Water Services Regulation Authority (OFWAT). The customers argued that the company had breached its statutory duty to provide good customer service by increasing water costs during a pandemic. Customers who were on low incomes or struggling to pay their bills were hit the hardest.
Anglian Water Services Limited responded to the complaints by promising to issue refunds to its customers. As a result, the water company set aside £7.5 million to compensate customers who were affected by the rise in water costs. The refunds will be paid in two instalments, with the first payment being made in June 2021 and the second payment being made in 2022.
So, who is eligible to receive the Anglian Water Services Limited refunds? According to the company, eligible customers are those who were paying the average 2020/21 bill and who were not in arrears at the end of March 2021. If you meet these criteria, then you will automatically receive the first refund in June 2021. You don’t need to do anything to claim the refund, as it will be automatically credited to your Anglian Water Services Limited account.
The first refund will be worth around £20 for the average household. This may not seem like a significant amount of money, but it will certainly provide some relief to those who were struggling to pay their water bills. The second refund, which will be paid in 2022, is expected to be higher than the first refund. The exact amount has not been confirmed yet, but it is estimated to be around £8 per customer.
It is worth noting that the Anglian Water Services Limited refunds are not the only compensation that customers will receive. The water company has also committed to reducing its future bills by £15 million over the next five years. This will be done by making efficiency savings and by investing in renewable energy sources. The company has also agreed to invest a further £44 million to help customers who are struggling to pay their water bills.
Finally, let’s talk about the impact of the Anglian Water Services Limited refunds on the company’s reputation. The refunds are certainly a positive step towards repairing Anglian Water Services Limited’s relationship with its customers. The company has acknowledged that it made a mistake by increasing water costs during a pandemic and has taken steps to address the issue. By issuing refunds and reducing future bills, Anglian Water Services Limited is showing that it is committed to providing good customer service.
Overall, the Anglian Water Services Limited refunds are a positive development for customers who were affected by the unexpected rise in water costs. The refunds will provide some relief to those who were struggling to pay their bills and will help to repair the company’s relationship with its customers. If you are an Anglian Water Services Limited customer, then you can expect to receive the first refund in June 2021. If you are eligible for the refund, then you don’t need to do anything to claim it, as it will be automatically credited to your account.