Your Complete Guide to Utilities in Blackford

Are you moving and want to know more about Blackford? Our comprehensive utilities guide to Blackford will explain in detail everything about broadband, area codes, power generation and energy distributors, and Blackford water and sewerage. Keep reading to learn everything about utilities in Blackford.

About Blackford, Edinburgh

Blackford EH9 has a population of 736 and is located in the county of Edinburgh. Edinburgh has a population of 524,930 people.

Who supplies my water in Blackford?

Blackford water utilities are supplied by Scottish Water. Here are the main contact numbers for Scottish Water:

How to reach your water provider in Blackford

Speaking to an advisor at Scottish Water is one of many contact methods to talk about your Blackford water problems.

Below, you can find the principal telephone numbers for Scottish Water general enquiries and emergencies.

Write to Scottish Water

You can also write to Scottish Water, either by email or with a letter in the post. You can even send your message through the Scottish Water website.

If you prefer to send a letter to Scottish Water can do so by writing to the Scottish Water address below:

Customers that would rather email Scottish Water, you must use the following email address:

Price of water in Blackford

Water rates in Blackford depend on whether your home has a water meter or not. You can easily find out whether your Blackford water rates are metered or unmetered rates by checking your water bill or by speaking to the supplier. Homes with metered Blackford water rates will have a meter number listed on their water bills.

Metered Customers in Blackford

Customers with a water meter at their Blackford house will pay an annual fixed charge, plus an extra charge for each cubic meter (m3) consumed. The fixed charge is to cover the essential running costs of Scottish Water. While the variable charges cover the usage at your Blackford home.

Unmetered Customers in Blackford

Customers without a meter at their Blackford home will pay an annual charge for their water consumption. This charge is fixed, this means you will pay the same amount regardless of how much water consumed at your Blackford home.

Water rates for unmetered customers in Blackford is going to be based on the rateable value of your home. The rateable value calculation of your Blackford water rates will have been determined by the local council in the 90s and are unlikey to have changed since then.

Should I get a water meter installed? That depends on how much water you consume. If you are single, or have a small family, getting a water meter for your Blackford may save you money.

Customers with large households are unlikely to see any savings by having a meter installed.

How do I pay my Blackford water bill?

First, you must sign up and register with Scottish Water. After you register your details with Scottish Water, you can decide how you would like to pay your bill, such as:

• Direct Debit
• Online payments
• Pay over the phone
• Bank transfer
• Payment by cheque
• Payment card

You should also be able to choose how frequently you pay your Blackford bill. Whilst some customers would prefer to pay annually, other customers might want to settle for quarterly, monthly, or even weekly payments instead. As soon as you've set up your Scottish Water account, you will be able to choose how you pay your water bill, and how often you need to pay it.

Can I switch the water supplier in Blackford?

Unfortunately, your water supplier is fixed and depends on the catchment area based on your postcode. As a customer in Blackford EH9, your water supplier is Scottish Water.

Since April 2017, business water customers have been able to switch water suppliers. You can find out if your business is eligible in our guide to switching water suppliers.

Blackford Water Frequently Asked Questions

Below we have answered some common questions that customers in Blackford have about their water supply.

Broadband in Blackford EH9

The speed of your internet connection at your Blackford home is dependant upon several factors such as:

• The type of connection (ADSL, Fibre, or Cable)
• Distance from the telephone exchange
• Placement of your router
• Using wi-fi or ethernet connection
• Your internet service provider or ISP

Test how fast your internet is and see how it compares to the average internet speed in Blackford with our quick and easy to use internet speed test tool.

Did you know that the average download speed in the UK is around 62.5Mbps?

The internet connection type you have can have an effect on the speed you get in Blackford. An FTTP is the fastest internet connection available in the UK however, at the time of writing, this is only available to 31.83% of UK households.

The slowest way to access the internet is ADSL, in parts of the UK that are more remote it's the only type of internet connection currently available.

What should you consider when picking a broadband provider in Blackford?

In 2022, the internet is about as important as any other utility, some people might consider it the most important. Which means picking a reliable provider for your internet might seem daunting at first. To ease the pressure, let's take a look at the top four points worth considering before picking a broadband provider in Blackford.

Availability

The first thing you need to think about before picking a broadband provider in Blackford is the availability. Whilst many homes in Blackford should have access to fibre or 'superfast' connections, people outside a built-up area may have trouble getting fast broadband.

Although, homes that have been built in the last few years should be able to enjoy access to the FTTH as developers often tend to install the latest networks when building new homes.

Type of connection

What are the different types of connection in Blackford?

• Fibre broadband
• This is fastest connection that's currently available in Blackford
• There are two categories of fibre broadband connections, we call them 'Superfast' and 'Full Fibre'
• Superfast broadband gives you a minimum download speed of at least 24 Mbps.
• A Full Fibre connection comes with downloads speeds from 300 Mbps up to 1 Gbps.
• ADSL or ADSL2
• An older type of internet connection that is delivered through a standard telephone line.
• Limited download speed of up to 24 Mbps.
• Available to 99.9% of Blackford homes.
• Cable
• Speeds similar to, or faster than, fibre broadband.
• Available only via Virgin Media.
• Availability can be limited in some parts of Blackford.
• 4G/5G, Mobile, and Satellite Broadband
• Speed is dependant upon the mobile signal strength in Blackford.
• Might work out more expensive without an unlimited data plan.
• No special equipment required by tethering to your smartphone, though some mobile networks do not allow tethering.

Blackford broadband value for money

Another important consideration is the monthly cost of broadband in Blackford. There are many providers offering a cheap introductory offer for new customers, but the price is often for a limited period. We recommend you double check the terms and conditions of the deal when you sign up for a internet service in Blackford. There are some providers that will increase the price you pay during the initial contract period. We reported recently on the BT price hike which will be felt by millions of BT customers.

Blackford Broadband Reliability

The reliability of the broadband connection is in Blackford also needs consideration, with many of us working from home either full-time or part-time, having a reliable internet connection to keep up to date with work your work is really important.

The times when we're not working we're watching movies online or gaming online that without a reliable internet connection for your Blackford home will be an important thing to consider.

Blackford broadband customer service

Our final tip, the customer support of your Blackford internet connection is extremely important. You might never need to get in touch with your internet service provider, however, if you have an issue and need to get in touch with them a provider with excellent customer service that deals with your query in a fast and efficient manner is a strong plus when selecting an internet provider in Blackford.

Broadband FAQ

Our FAQ contains the answers to the most asked questions from customers in Blackford ask about their broadband.

What's the telephone dialling code of Blackford

The landline area code, sometimes called the dialling code, for Blackford is 01806. If you're calling somebody in Blackford, and you're located in a different region, you should add 01806 before the number you're trying to call.

How much does an 01806 Blackford call cost?

If calls are included with your landline or mobile, then the call cost should be included with your tariff. If you don't have an included calls tariff, the cost of the call will be about 10p per minute, plus the call set-up charge.

If you don't know whether you have a plan that includes calls, you should ask your provider before making the call to avoid unexpected charges on your bill.

How many different area codes are there in the UK? Including Northern Ireland, The UK has 645 area codes. Area codes in the UK can be three, four, or five digits long.

Gas and Electricity in Blackford

Residents in Blackford are able to choose their gas and electricity supplier, but whichever supplier they are with, the electricity and gas will always be maintained and supplied by the local network operator.

We call them Distribution Network operators (DNOs) and it is these companies that own, operates and maintains the infrastructure that connects your Blackford home to the gas network and electricity grid.

In many cases you won't need to contact the Blackford distribution network operator, but if you do, you can easily find out which DNO is responsible for Blackford right here.

You can find out more information about what a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) does in our Distribution Network Operator guide

Electricity Distribution Network Operator for Blackford

The electricity distribution network operator for Blackford is SP Energy Networks - Central & Southern Scotland. You can find the SP Energy Networks - Central & Southern Scotland contact details in the table below:

The UK has six electricity distribution network operators:

1. Electricity North West
2. Northern Powergrid
3. SSE Networks
4. SP Energy Networks
5. UK Power Networks
6. Western Power Distribution

Power Generation near Blackford

There are no power plants within a 10 mile radius of Blackford.

Fossil Fuels

In 2021, a total of 47.4% of the UK’s electricity was generated by burning fossil fuels. This came mostly from natural gas (42%) and coal (2.7%). In addition, a small amount was produced from fossil fuels from other sources (2.7%). The electricity produced from fossil fuels does change each year.

Nuclear Power

Nuclear power accounted for 16.1% of electricity generation in 2021, in the next few years we can expect this to reduce as nuclear power stations in the UK’s begin to close, only one will still be generating energy 2035. However, new nuclear reactors are being planned such as Hinkley Point C which is under construction.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy accounted for 40.3% of electricity in 2021, that's up from 29% in 2018. Renewable sources can include hydro, solar, wind, and biomass. This will conmtinue to rise as the UK aims to meet its net-zero targets.

Municipalities Near Blackford

Perhaps you're wondering which towns and cities are within reach of Blackford, in the below table you will find the five nearest towns and cities to Blackford.