Wessex Water’s decade-long push to upgrade customers to smart meters has taken another major step forward following the announcement of a long-term collaboration with Honeywell.
The agreement, a contract of up to 15 years, will see the global technology company deliver meters and the accompanying smart technology and communication system that provides consumption data for each customer, as the water provider sets about its ambitious programme to install a smart meter in every home in its region by 2035.
The switch to the modern meters will allow customers of the water provider in the south west of England to access their consumption data, as well as playing a crucial role in Wessex Water’s efforts to reduce impact on the environment and tackle leaks in the network.
Aimee Shaw, Head of Customer Engagement at Wessex Water, said:
“One of our most important AMP8 (2025-30) strategic outcomes is to protect both the security of supplies to our customers and the environment by minimising abstraction.
“Some water sources used to supply homes in our region have a significant impact on the water environment and some of our most precious habitats – such as chalk streams – and the data from smart meters will help us find leaks faster and fix them, helping to keep more water in the environment and protecting it.
“Playing a key role in this will be the installation of smart meters across 40 per cent of our supply region in the next five years, with the remainder being installed in the following five years and we’re pleased to be able to team up with Honeywell who have a proven track record of expertise in this field.
“Water meters are an excellent way to help customers save water in their homes and almost 75 per cent of our customers already have a standard meter and only pay for what they use.
“However, because smart meters collect water use data every day compared to standard meters, they can also help them to understand and reduce their consumption, saving them money.”
Declan Kenny, regional general manager Smart Energy, Honeywell, said:
”Utilities is a sector rooted in operational data that, when analysed quickly and accurately, can deliver significant value for providers and their customers. Our smart meters help to realise that opportunity by giving a daily accurate view of consumption data.
“We are excited to be bringing these capabilities to Wessex Water as part of its initiative to leverage the industry’s latest technologies. Wessex Water and its customers will be able to more accurately understand consumption patterns, better manage bills and quickly identify leaks and wastage.”
Wessex Water started smart meter rollout for customers across its region that have opted to switch to a meter in July.
The utility company fixes more than 1,000 leaks on its network every month and has invested £230 million in a supply grid, which means water can be moved around the region to meet changing demands.
