Companies should encourage optional metering. 12 now offer free meter fitting to over half their household customers. 13 of remaining 16 companies charge less than 100 to install in company's preferred location. I would like to see further progress in reducing costs to customers. Selective metering Garden watering is a big factor in record peak demands - it drives the demand for new reservoirs.
Peak demand is lower in areas with more meters.
Abundant evidence measured customers use less and are sustaining this. Selective metering is backed by a growing number of organisations, and is widespread throughout Western Europe. If supply is interrupted under a drought order customers deserve compensation. In the meantime, we have amended the licence of 14 companies to have the same effect, empowering me, as Director, to decide whether circumstances were so exceptional that the failure to supply was excusable. 6 companies accepted the proposals without a formal licence amendment.