Anglian Water customers face a small rise in bills this year, as the utility firm embarks on a £425million investment programme.
The rise of 2.2 per cent is in line with inflation, but bills are still less than they were four years ago following a seven per cent cut in 2015.
The money being invested will be ploughed into the areas that customers say matter most to them including reducing leakage even further, providing top quality drinking water, protecting against severe weather such as drought and flooding, and tackling the impacts of climate change.
The investment comes in the third year of a £5billion commitment to 2020, which will be paid for by average bills of £1.15 per day for an entire family.
Customers who use a water meter pay even less. Their average bills are £1.06 per day (£388.70 for the year) – an increase on last year of 2.1 per cent, or two pence per day.
Jane Taylor, head of customer services, said: “Bills are still lower than they were four years ago thanks to the price reductions we promised back then. We’re always doing everything we can to be even more efficient at running the business, which translates into value for money for our customers.
“To strike the right balance we’re continuing to keep costs as low as possible long term while still investing heavily in the things customers care about most.
“For an average of £1.15 per day you get all your clean water for washing and drinking, plus, all your sewerage services is included in the cost, which takes the dirty water away, cleans it and returns it safely to the environment.
“Water meters are still the best way to save money, and with the average annual metered bill coming in £171 cheaper than customers who don’t use a meter, the savings speak for themselves. It’s a win-win because it’s free to switch to a meter, and if you aren’t completely satisfied you can switch back, for free, within two years.”
