Struggling with Water Bills? South West Water Expands Support Options

South West Water has announced an increase in the number of customers supported by its social tariffs, helping households across the South West manage their water bills amidst the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

With a pledge to eradicate water poverty by 2030, the company is already supporting around 45,000 customers through affordability tariffs and other financial relief measures.

Comprehensive Support for Customers

The social tariffs offered by South West Water provide various ways for customers to reduce their bills, including:

• Switching to a water meter to pay only for the water used.
• Signing up for an affordability tariff tailored to individual needs.
• Accessing payment breaks or free water efficiency advice.
• Receiving support with managing debt.

Lesley Horn, South West Water’s Customer Experience Manager, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting customers:

“With the cost-of-living crisis continuing, we know it remains as important as ever to keep our bills as low as possible and to deliver services that provide value for money.

“We never want our customers to worry about paying their bills, and our teams work hard all year round to make sure we are providing help in the best way we can, when customers need it the most. I would urge anyone who has concerns about their bill to get in touch and see how we can help.”

Reaching Out to Communities

South West Water’s Billing Specialist Team plays a proactive role in providing one-to-one support. The team works directly within local communities at locations such as food banks, job centres, and community groups to ensure customers receive tailored advice.

This face-to-face approach also includes investigating factors that might be contributing to higher bills, such as private supply pipe leaks, and working with customers to resolve these issues.

One customer expressed their gratitude for the personalised service, saying: “I couldn’t believe that South West Water had such a range of ways to support customers financially. They even come to our little village to see us face to face.”

Sean Redmond, a Billing Specialist Advisor, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “I am proud of the role that our teams play. We are constantly working to get out into the community and find ways to assist those that need a little extra help. It is the innate human need to help those around us that makes my job so important and keeps me going every day.”

How to Access Support

Customers seeking assistance can find more information about the available financial support options by visiting South West Water’s financial support page. Alternatively, the customer team can be contacted on 0344 346 1010 (available Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm, and Saturday, 9am-1pm).

South West Water’s ongoing efforts reflect its commitment to supporting customers during challenging times, ensuring no one has to struggle alone with their water bills.