The deployment of smart meters and network management software tools are generating new and relevant data to enable utilities to actively engage with consumers.
Although there are physical challenges with providing real-time information on water to consumers, utilities are looking at the best way to take practical information to help engage their customers.
Southern Water is in the process of starting a trial whereby existing water meters will be retrofitted with “readers” and the resulting data fed back to a home device.
“This new system will only be deployed to customers who want them,” said Ben Earl, water efficiency manager at utility Southern Water. Speaking at the Smart Water Systems conference in London organised by SMi Group, he said the utility has now achieved a meter connection rate of 88 percent across its network. The initial reduction in water use across the city was 16.5 percent following installations, he said.
Meanwhile, Paul Glass, smart metering program manager at Anglian Water Services, discussed the utility’s Newmarket Innovation Shop Window – a real-world location where new technologies and ideas are being tested.
One trial included a partnership with software company, advizzo, together with automated meter reading (AMR) technology.
By emailing across consumption data to selected households, the utility witnessed an 8 percent drop in average daily consumption (ADC) over a period of 12 months. In financial terms, this could eventually result in a £38 saving, if consumers were to fix localised plumbing leaks, Glass said.
