Water Audits

In managing your water budget it is important that there is confidence in the invoices raised by the various suppliers.  As the bill payer it is your responsibility to ensure that the invoices you pay relate to your supplies, reflect your actual usage and are charged on the correct basis.

Unfortunately, the constraints relating to paying bills in a timely fashion often result in these areas not being satisfactorily resolved at the time of payment. 

As a Water Customer, you have the right to review the invoices you have paid, and potentially recover any overcharges that suppliers have made.  Where any overcharges exist, retrospective claims can be made against suppliers for a period of up to six years prior to the date of notification. 

In addition to recovered costs, potential savings opportunities also exist through the avoidance of (ongoing) costs based on a review of current invoice data and existing charging structures.

Our experience has shown that no two Water Audits will result in the same outcome.  As every portfolio is unique, it is difficult to predict whether a savings opportunity exists without reviewing the data.  Furthermore, where it is apparent that savings can be made, the source and respective size of saving will still differ from audit to audit.

Our Expertise

BIU are experts in identifying, challenging and recovering charges incorrectly invoiced by water suppliers.  For over a decade we have been at the leading edge of utility consultancy services, and our experience in the field of water auditing has provided us with an unparalleled knowledge of the many charging structures used by suppliers.

Our 98% customer retention rate is testament to the service and results we provide.

Recovered Costs (Refunds)

Our dedicated Water Team will conduct a retrospective review of your water invoices.  Where charges have been incorrectly levied, BIU will liaise with the supplier to ensure that credits, refunds or adjustments are implemented as efficiently as possible.

Avoided Costs (Ongoing Savings)

Avoided costs are on-going savings resulting from the correction of historical charging errors.  As in the case of Recovered Costs, our Water Analysts will look at a variety of areas to ensure where possible that savings are obtained ongoing into the future.

Our Process & Deliverables

The process of conducting a retrospective water audit can begin with as little as one invoice per supply and a letter granting BIU the authority to obtain information from suppliers on your behalf.  We will then create a customer specific database of supplies and properties and conduct our analysis.

The BIU audit report is the culmination of the initial audit process.  It communicates the potential refund opportunities and on-going savings identified during the audit, separated into recoverable and avoidable cost savings.

Our Charges

BIU’s Water Audit is entirely self funding with no upfront costs as we are remunerated entirely from the savings generated.  Alternatively we can work on a fixed fee basis with our charges based on a detailed specification of service if preferred.

What Next

Invoice auditing can commence at any time, independent of any contractual arrangements you may presently have with any consultant, broker or supplier.  All BIU requires is a suitable letter of authority, some contact details for copies of water invoices and a signed agreement.

For more information about BIU's Water Audit or Water Conservation Services contact British Independent Utilities on 01253 789816 or email sales@biu.com