Study finds £1.9bn net benefit available from a coordinated smart meter rollout

Smart water metering is cost beneficial at national level, in every region, even if charging remains on an unmeasured basis, according to new research commissioned by Arqiva and conducted by Frontier Economics and Artesia.

The research, published last week at a Waterwise-hosted webinar, found there would be net benefit of £1.9bn from a coordinated smart water meter rollout, with the £2.5bn cost offset by £4.4bn of benefits.

Benefits would include improved leakage control and network management and the avoidance of need to develop water resources, saving costs and enabling water bills to be reduced over time. The study found a positive benefits-to-cost ratio in all areas of England and Wales, with the greatest gains in the south and east where water is more scarce. It also found the positive benefits-to-cost ratio remained should households choose to stick with unmetered billing, because of the benefits resulting from aspects including leakage control.

Separately, research commissioned by Arqiva from Waterwise on customer attitudes to smart meters, also launched at last week’s webinar, found encouraging signs that the public is receptive to smart water metering. Nine in ten already have smart technology in their home and 87% would consider getting a smart water meter if it would lead to a reduction in bills and was fitted for free.

Director of strategy and regulation at Arqiva, Laurie Patten, said: “The positive impact of smart water metering is crystal clear – for consumers, the environment, and for industry too. Progress is being made but more needs to be done, especially given the urgency of the climate challenge facing us all. More positive support from governments and regulators to encourage and accelerate a comprehensive smart meter rollout would see these benefits realised at a much faster pace.”