Hotel in Torbay Disputes £15,000 Water Bill Overcharges

A dispute has arisen between the Livermead Cliff Hotel in Torbay and Pennon Water Services over an alleged overcharge of £15,000 due to faulty water meter readings. The hotel claims it was billed for excessive water usage from 2012 to 2014, during which time the water meter was not properly connected. The hotel's management asserts that the water supplier failed to replace the faulty meter despite being aware of the issue. Anthony Rew, the hotel's director, recounted the discovery of the faulty meter in 2014, stating that it was not even attached when they attempted to read it. He noted that the hotel was charged for 7.5 cubic meters of water daily, significantly higher than their actual usage of 5.5 cubic meters. Since the meter's replacement, the hotel's water bills have returned to normal levels. The ongoing dispute has led to threats of disconnection from the water company, which has been persistent for six years. Rew has called for a compromise from Pennon Water Services, emphasizing the financial strain the overcharges have placed on the hotel. In response, Pennon Water Services stated that they are committed to working with customers to address any concerns regarding water consumption and have various allowances to align bills with average usage. The situation highlights the challenges faced by businesses in resolving billing disputes with utility providers, particularly when technical issues are involved.