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Groundwork and our team of Green Doctors are helping Southern Water to encourage customers to take advantage of the benefits of a water meter.
The Southern Water region has been classed as an area of severe water stress and the pressures of climate change and population growth are putting further pressure on resources.
Of Southern Water’s 1 million households about 40 per cent are already metered. This will rise to about 92 per cent with nearly 500,000 new smart meters installed at properties by 2015 under the Universal Metering Programme.
Meters can save water, save energy and save money off bills. Households that have a water meter tend to use around ten percent less water than those on a fixed charge. Metering allows households to take control of their water use and by reducing water waste they can cut their water and carbon footprint and save money on their household bills.
Customer Engagement
Our advisors deliver key information packs and install locally specific signage on lampposts a week before installation. Packs are handed direct to customers and a broad discussion is held to introduce the scheme, highlight the benefits and manage the expectations of customers in terms of delivery. On the day of installation, we man a ‘Customer Information Point’ where customers can speak to us about the scheme.
Home Water & Energy Audits
Our expert Green Doctors, provide water and energy efficiency advice to help reduce vulnerable customers’ overall utility bill outlay. Our Green Doctors carry out up to 5 pre-booked appointments a day and carry a range of easy to fit measures, that when combined with detailed and personalised advice on consumption, can lead to significant savings on water and energy bills.
Income Maximisation
This is offered to Southern Water’s most vulnerable customers to ensure that they are in full receipt of their benefits, tax credits and are aware of the relief schemes available (such as Water Sure, Trust Funds etc). This service is carried out over the telephone by our partner IncomeMAX and has achieved significant additional income for customers.
