Major users offer water smart metering lessons from energy

(by Karma Loveday)

Major water users have called on Defra and Ofwat to learn from the energy smart metering experience and set smart water meter rollout goals that are aligned to excellent customer experience, rather than to the number of meters installed.

That was among the messages in a new guide produced by large water customer representative the Major Energy Users' Council (MEUC), which draws on its members’ experience in energy to share lessons for water – both pitfalls to avoid and positive strategies to follow.

The MEUC warned that if targets are solely based on getting meters installed – with little attention paid to ensuring meters actually work, provide a high quality data and are maintained over time –opportunities will be missed for water savings, cost savings and customer satisfaction.

Elsewhere in Making smart water metering work for large customers – A guide for the water sector based on industrial and commercial experience in energy, MEUC members covered rollout scheduling, advance notice requirements, avoiding abortive visits, data requirements and more.

The guide is designed to help water wholesalers, water retailers, policymakers, market authorities and others navigate the complex smart metering needs of large users. Download a copy here: https://library.meucnetwork.co.uk/pdfs/SWMEGuide.pdf