Scottish Water has today, 23rd January 2026, announced that its primary wholesale charges for 2026/27 will increase by 8.67%. As wholesale charges are paid by retailers on behalf of customers, this increase is likely to be passed through directly to retail water and wastewater bills for all non-domestic customers across Scotland.
Scottish Water said:
“The rise is needed to maintain services and invest in essential infrastructure such as water pipes and treatment works. Scotland’s water and waste water system is facing increasing pressure including more extreme weather and growing demand.
Recent challenges include Scotland’s driest start to the year in six decades and an increase in repairs as older infrastructure comes to the end of its operational life.
The 2026/27 charges decision will enable Scottish Water to continue delivering high-quality services to millions of people today, while investing responsibly to keep bills affordable for future generations.”
In the Scottish water market, retailers act as the billing interface for customers but do not set wholesale charges. These charges are determined by Scottish Water and recovered by retailers on a pass-through basis.
The 8.67% wholesale charge increase will take effect from 1st April 2026. This timing coincides with the introduction of new Rateable Values for commercial properties, set by the Scottish Assessors for the next valuation period.
Given the combined impact of increased wholesale charges and updated Rateable Values, customers are encouraged to review their forthcoming assessments carefully. Where a Rateable Value is believed to be inaccurate, supporting evidence should be submitted to the relevant local Assessor in advance of the 1st April 2026 start date.