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Xylems state-of-the-art test facility for water meters in Laatzen, Germany opened in May 2023
to test meters in a range of installation and environmental conditions, including changing water temperatures. The testing and manufacturing expansion has enabled us to increase smart metering production by 50% to an overall capacity of three million a year – and we work closely with our key suppliers to ensure we can increase demand requirements when necessary.
Strong supplier relationships also mean we can build resilience to temporary disruption. The global microchip shortage from 2020-23, for example, is the kind of logistical issue that can be mitigated by long-term planning and continued review of supply chains to ensure dual sourcing for key components.
Of equal importance is Xylem’s relationships with its water company clients including Thames Water, which is eight years into its smart water meter programme and has installed its one millionth meter. Similarly, Anglian Water’s programme will see installation of 1.1 million smart meters by 2025. Xylem has supplied Sensus smart meters for both these flagship projects, the two biggest smart water meter programmes in the UK.
Of course, all companies are at different stages of their smart metering journeys. Those that are in the earlier stages should now be determining the right rollout strategy for them and their customers.
This includes choosing partners, including meter installers, that are experienced in what it takes to support your programme. These are long-term programmes that require ongoing collaboration and trust, particularly when challenges arise.
40 | June 2024 |
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Looking at internal teams and stakeholders, data management should be a key area of focus for utilities. Smart meters transmit water usage data in near real-time - companies will be moving from receiving two reads a year from standard meters to somewhere approaching 9,000 reads per year for each property.
The transition to becoming a data-driven utility is major step- change that requires appropriate resourcing and the right mix of roles, including more data analysts and data scientists than most companies have currently. Data captured by smart meters can be used by water companies for far more than just billing.
Real-time network monitoring enables faster detection of leaks and provides a better understanding of consumption patterns and trends. Such insights will be integral to long-term water resource planning and can inform teams working across the business, including leakage, customer service and regulation. However, the right people and systems must be in place to realise the full benefits.
Across the water sector, there is a desire to share smart meter knowledge and insights, and we see high levels of engagement between utilities, suppliers and regulators.
As part of the smart ecosystem, Xylem would welcome the opportunity to share its global experience and invites stakeholders to visit our UK Smart Meter Operations Centre in Hampshire, our manufacturing facilities in Germany or to join us at the Xylem Reach Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on 13- 16 October 2024.
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