How does Thames Water's new initiative help low-income customers?

Thames Water's new scheme automatically enrolls low-income households in its social tariff programs, cutting their water bills by up to 50% without requiring them to apply.

What is the goal of Thames Water's automatic enrollment approach?

The goal is to ensure vulnerable customers receive the assistance they're entitled to, even if they were previously unaware of their eligibility.

How many households will benefit from Thames Water's new discount program?

According to the article, the initiative will save around 33,000 struggling households in London more than £300 a year, or over £10 million in total.

Home / Business and Economy / Thames Water Automatically Enrolls Low-Income Households in Discounts

Thames Water Automatically Enrolls Low-Income Households in Discounts

30 Sep, 2025

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Summary

Thames Water's new scheme automatically enrolls 33,000 struggling households in discounts
Customers' water bills will be cut by up to 50% without needing to apply
Initiative aims to ensure vulnerable customers receive assistance they're entitled to

Thames Water Automatically Enrolls Low-Income Households in Discounts

In a groundbreaking move, Thames Water, the UK's largest water supplier, has launched an innovative scheme to automatically enroll low-income households in its social tariff programs. As of September 30th, 2025, the company has identified around 33,000 struggling customers in 17 London boroughs who will now see their water bills cut by up to 50% without needing to apply.

Through data-sharing agreements with local authorities and the Policy in Practice social data platform, Thames Water has been able to pinpoint customers whose water bills exceed 5% of their net income. These individuals are then automatically enrolled in the company's WaterHelp scheme, which provides the significant discount. The initiative also identifies customers eligible for other assistance programs, such as the WaterSure social tariff and the Extra Support Scheme.