Ofwat calls for data on internal meter reads after Castle change proposal

Ofwat has issued a call for inputs to understand better the impact that Covid-19 restrictions are having on retailers’ capability to actively read internal meters.

This follows an urgent change proposal to the Customer Protection Code of Practice (CPCoP) from Castle Water. The CPCoP requires retailers to issue at least one accurate bill or invoice, each year, using a meter read where the supply is metered. This can include a read provided by a customer.

In its change proposal, Castle Water has raised concerns with the practical constraints retailers are experiencing with accessing and reading internal meters due to Covid-19 restrictions. It said this is resulting in a backlog of meters that require a meter reading to be scheduled.

To address this issue, Castle Water has proposed that a retailer may bill or invoice a customer based on estimated consumption where the retailer is unable to read an internal meter because of Covid-19, and where the customer has been asked to provide a read within a reasonable period but has been unable or unwilling to do so, or has not responded.

Trading parties have until 8 January to respond.