A WATER company that covers Basingstoke has come under fire after claims it is doorstepping people to install smart meters. 

Thames Water has more than 15 million customers across Hampshire, Surrey, London and other areas of the Thames Valley.

The utility giant is facing criticism for surprising customers with unexpected demands to install smart meters as part of its bed to roll out millions across London and the South East.

The company is allowed to install the devices without notifying households as part of the Government’s attempts to reduce household water usage, but concerns have been growing over homeowners’ lack of say on installation.

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The Telegraph reported that one Surrey resident was paid a visit from Thames Water worker who asked to install a smart meter.

The meters work in much the same way as digital electricity and gas smart meters, sending readings to the supplier every hour.

Utility providers have been pushing for greater uptake in water meters as they claim it helps them tackle leaks.

Thames Water has vowed to install up to two million smart meters by 2030.

Consumer Council for Water (CCW) said that the company is allowed to install the smart meters as part of its compulsory metering programme, but it should be “supporting customers through the transition and communicating with them well in advance”.

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A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We are currently rolling out smart meters in areas around London and the Thames Valley. We’re eight years into our smart metering journey, with the technology playing a critical role in addressing leaks, reducing water consumption, and making our water network more resilient in the face of a growing population and climate change.   

“We continue to invest and expand our smart meter rollout and we’re fast approaching 1 million today, expanding to, 1.1 million by 2025, 2 million by 2030 and 2.8 million by 2035.

“Smart meters incentivise customers to use water wisely, as they will only be charged for the water they use. They also help us to tackle customer side leaks, protecting water supplies in the process.    

“Whilst we don’t need permission to fit smart meters, they are the fairest option for customers, as people only pay for the water they use. On average metered customers tend to use 12 per cent less water.

“The South East of England is a water stressed region and we need to act now to protect our future resources. We have legal powers to fit water meters at all properties in our region. Under legislation consumers cannot refuse a smart meter, however, we always assess the suitability of a meter for each property. We will always write to customers to advise them of our smart meter rollout”

In July it was rumoured that Thames Water was nearing collapse under debts of £14billion, following the resignation of its CEO Sarah Bentley.

But a statement on the water provider's website stated that things might not be quite as drastic as reported and, in fact, it was on the verge of "turning things around".

It said: "You may have seen some recent press speculation about Thames Water following our CEO’s resignation.

"We can confirm that Thames Water continues to operate as normal and we are committed to our turnaround plan.

"From a financial point of view, we have a strong liquidity position including £4.4 billion of cash and committed funding, as of 31 March 2023.

"We also received £500 million of new funding from our shareholders in March 2023 and continue to work constructively with them on the funding of the next phases of our turnaround plan.

"Our regulator, Ofwat, is being kept fully informed on progress of the company's turnaround and engagement with shareholders.

"Thames Water remains focused on delivering for our customers, the environment and stakeholders."