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Self-Lay and Requisitioning Letters
1 April 2004 SLR 1/04 Dear Colleague INSTALLATION OF APPROVED WALL MOUNTED METER BOXES Ofwat has investigated complaints by the manufacturer of a particular brand of wall mounted meter box1 (WMMB) about difficulties faced in trying to sell its product in two undertakers' areas. The purpose of this letter is to set out how we expect undertakers to respond to requests to connect any type of approved WMMB to their networks. Background The circumstances in these two instances were different, but both concerned allegations by the manufacturer that undertakers were refusing to connect its WMMBs to their networks, whilst allowing the connection of other types of WMMB. There was no justifiable reason for either undertaker to refuse to connect to the WMMBs. In both instances, following Ofwat's intervention, the undertakers changed their policies and allowed developers to install any approved type of WMMB. Approval of WMMBs We expect undertakers, that allow the use of WMMBs to allow developers to install any type of WMMB that is fit for purpose and that has the appropriate certification. It is of paramount importance that any equipment installed is correctly certified by the appropriate authorities. Undertakers might justifiably refuse to connect WMMBs to their networks which do not have the appropriate certification such as a Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) certificate. Action in the future It is unacceptable for undertakers to refuse, without justifiable reason, to allow developers to install any type of WMMB or house their meters in any WMMB. This type of behaviour is potentially a breach of Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998. When a developer (or anyone else) is seeking to be connected to an undertaker's network, the undertaker: 1. should explain to the developer seeking to be connected that it may install any type of approved WMMB for connection purposes that it chooses; 2. must not refer to WMMBs generically by a particular manufacturer's name or by a product name or imply in any way that a particular brand is the brand of choice; 3. must not promote any type of WMMB above any other; 4. must allow developers to procure approved WMMBs from any source; and 5. where the developer supplies its own WMMB the undertaker must reduce the connection charge by the cost of a WMMB if the undertaker normally supplies the WMMB and includes the cost in the connection charge. This letter informs you of Ofwat's current policy in respect of the connection of WMMBs. It is however for each undertaker to determine its own policy on this and similar matters and to ensure that such policies comply with applicable legislation. Yours sincerely Beryl Brown Head of Competition Policy Team 1 A wall mounted meter box is any box that is designed to house a water meter, some types also house a stop tap, with appropriate certification such as a Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) certificate.  |
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