We’re trialing a clip-on water meter to give customers more reliable, frequent and accurate data about their water consumption. Early results have shown that the devices have not only been well received by customers, they’ve also identified an impressive number of leaks.
Rolling out the smart metering device
The trial is taking place across a variety of locations including Brighton, Southampton, Andover and Midhurst. So far 1,500 clip-on devices have been fitted in both urban and rural areas, for a wide range of customers. A number of aspects of service provision will be tested, including connectivity, accuracy of data and suitability for wider installation. The devices have quickly demonstrated a larger quantity and frequency of meter reads than before.
An innovative clip-on smart meter
The latest AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) clip-on device trialled is designed to retrofit a wide range of existing meters, meaning it can be easily added to current technology. The clip-on device can quickly provide both non-smart meters and older Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meters with AMI capability, removing the previous requirement of AMR to have a localised on-the-ground walk past to collect data. The clip-on device simply transmits the meter data directly to the central data management hub where it can be reviewed and downloaded as required.
First results from the trial are positive
Initial results have indicated that the installation process is unintrusive and has been well received by customers. Any data signal issues have been resolved through the installation of signal booster technology, enabling a 93% device success rate for connectivity. In addition, early data analytics have identified a potential 97 leaks from 750 properties, which will be investigated by the Southern Water leakage team with action taken as required.
Why it’s important to have a smart meter
Accurate water metering is crucial to help customers ensure they pay fairly for what they use and to track any changes in consumption. For Southern Water, metering provides invaluable insight into how our customers use their water in both a short and long-term capacity, while providing us with accurate leakage and billing data. With technology developing and updating almost on a weekly basis, we can begin to explore more innovative devices to provide an improved quality of service and an extended life span than traditional meters.
The new meter devices are helping us achieve key industry targets
As part of Ofwat’s price review commitments for smart meter trials (PR19), we are exploring a number of potential ideas and approaches to find cost effective solutions that will exceed our current meter technology standards. With close collaboration from multiple teams within Southern Water, moving to the next phase of our trial will help us provide better standards of service to our customers, and achieve key industry targets for leakage and water efficiency.
Want to learn more about the Bluewave team or have a smart metering solution you’d like to discuss? Drop us a message at [email protected]