Business water letter of authority

What a business water letter of authority allows

A business water letter of authority usually allows the authorised party to:

• Request billing and usage information
• Confirm supply and meter details
• Communicate with your water retailer on your behalf
• Investigate billing errors or discrepancies

This access helps ensure that any advice or recommendations are based on accurate and up to date information.

What a business water letter of authority does not allow

A letter of authority has clear limits. It does not allow:

• Changes to your water supplier
• Any contract to be agreed or amended
• Automatic switching or account changes

In some cases, extended letters of authority may be used that include permission to agree contracts, sometimes referred to as Level 2 authority. This is separate from a standard letter of authority and should always be clearly explained before being signed.

Why a business may be asked to provide a letter of authority

Businesses are commonly asked to provide a letter of authority when they want help understanding or reviewing their water account.

This may include situations such as investigating high or unexpected water bills, resolving billing errors, checking account details following a change of occupancy, or seeking independent advice on a business water account.

In all cases, the purpose is to access information, not to make changes without approval.

Is a business water letter of authority legally binding

A business water letter of authority is legally valid in that it grants permission to access account information. However, it does not create a binding contract for water supply or services.

Any change to a water account, supplier, or agreement would still require explicit approval from the business.

How long is a business water letter of authority valid for

Most business water letters of authority are valid for a defined period, often between six and twelve months. The duration should always be stated clearly on the document.

A letter of authority can usually be withdrawn at any time by notifying the relevant parties in writing.

Who should sign a business water letter of authority

A letter of authority should be signed by someone who is authorised to act on behalf of the business. This is typically a director, owner, or an individual responsible for utilities or finance.

If there is any uncertainty about who should sign, this should be clarified before proceeding.

Does a letter of authority affect water supply

No. A business water letter of authority does not affect the physical supply of water.

Water supply continues as normal. The letter only relates to communication and access to account information.

When it makes sense to review a business water account

A water account review can be helpful if a business is unsure whether charges are correct, has experienced a sudden increase in bills, manages multiple sites, or has not reviewed its water account for several years.

A review allows potential issues to be identified before any decisions are made.

If you are also reviewing energy accounts, you may find it helpful to understand how a business energy letter of authority works.