Excellent 5* RatingA quick guide to the essentials of Supply Point Identification Numbers
If you’ve spent any length of time on our site already here at The Business Water Shop, you may have seen us mention the term Supply Point Identification Number, or SPID. It’s not a term that a lot of people are familiar with, since it’s specific to the utilities sector. Whether you’re looking to resolve billing discrepancies, report an issue to your supplier, or you’re looking at switching your business water supplier entirely, having your Supply Point Identification number to hand can make the whole process go even more smoothly. So with that in mind, here’s what you need to know.
What is a Supply Point Identification Number?
A Supply Point Identification Number (SPID) is a unique reference assigned to every commercial water and wastewater supply point in the UK. It acts as an identifier that enables water retailers and wholesalers to accurately track and manage their services. Essentially, it’s broadly the same principle as a National Insurance Number for your business water supply – unique to your premises, and essential for properly identifying you.
SPIDs were introduced as part of the deregulation of the English business water market in 2017, which allowed businesses to choose their water supplier instead of being tied to a regional provider. Each business premises that receives a water supply or wastewater service will have at least one SPID, and properties that have both services will typically be assigned two – one for water and one for wastewater.
These numbers are essential for keeping records accurate, ensuring correct billing, and making it easier for you to switch your water suppliers when you decide it’s necessary.
Why do I need one?
In short, your SPID is vital for managing your business water services. If you’re looking to switch suppliers, your new provider will need your SPID to process the change correctly. Without it, they may not be able to identify your supply point, which can sometimes lead to delays or complications.
To be clear, a SPID is not particularly sensitive information (such as your bank details, for example), so it’s not a security risk if someone else gets hold of it. In fact, suppliers routinely share SPIDs when requested by the business that uses the supply. However, while it isn’t confidential, it is still an important reference that ensures your account is managed correctly.
One key part of the reason why it’s so important is that SPIDs play a key role in billing. If you think you’re being charged incorrectly, or you need to resolve a dispute, your SPID ensures that your account and meter readings are matched correctly. Basically it speeds up the process and helps avoid confusion, particularly if your business operates from a property with multiple supply points. By the same token, accidentally giving the wrong SPID (or using one that doesn’t belong to your premises) could potentially cause billing errors, delays in service, or even supply disputes.
What’s more, if you ever move into new business premises, you’ll need the SPID to set up your account with your chosen retailer. Having the correct SPID from the start prevents issues such as being billed for the wrong supply or experiencing delays in service activation.
How do I find my Supply Point Identification Number?
Thankfully, it’s not difficult to locate your Supply Point Identification Number. The easiest place to find it is on your business water bill, where it is usually displayed alongside your account details and meter information. The format may vary slightly depending on your supplier, but it’s typically a long numerical code that identifies your supply point.
If you can’t find your SPID on a bill, you can contact your water retailer. They will have the number on record and can provide it after verifying your account details. If you’re unsure of your water supplier for whatever reason, you can use the Open Water website or the Market Operator Services Limited (MOSL) database to help identify the provider for a specific location. Once you know your supplier, you can then request your SPID directly from them.
If you can, once you’ve found out your Supply Point Identification Number then it’s always helpful to make a note of it in your own records. Keeping your SPID accessible can save time and prevent unnecessary complications when dealing with your water services.
If you’ve got any questions about your SPID, don’t hesitate to ask one of our team here at The Business Water Shop. With a network of trusted suppliers at our disposal that spans across the UK, we’re perfectly positions to get you the most competitive water quotes for your business. In fact, we’re able to save some customers up to 55% on their water bills, and you can count on us to use all our resources and industry expertise to get you the best deal.
It only takes a few minutes to get your online quote – so if you’re thinking about moving to switch business water suppliers, there’s never been a better time to do it!
