Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Leading experts make case for accelerated adoption of always-on connected water metering

23/05/2022

Water companies and the water sector face huge challenges over the coming decades if Water UK's 2050 vision and the Government's environmental targets are to be achieved.

New report by Frontier Economics and Artesia, commissioned by Arqiva, shows AMI metering - that provides continuous meter read data - can deliver up to £2.2bn net benefit across England and Wales six times that of alternative, drive-by' solutions

Connecting smart water meters to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a low regret' investment under an adaptive planning framework.

Report calls on Ofwat and water companies to facilitate an accelerated rollout of always-on connected water metering - AMI technology - in the forthcoming PR24 / AMP8 period

May 23 2022, UK, London: A new research report has laid out how the rollout of always-on connected water metering, providing continuous data - specifically Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) - has the potential to deliver significant benefits for the environment, water companies and society as a whole.

The independent research, undertaken by Frontier Economics and Artesia, commissioned by Arqiva, concluded that the adoption of AMI can enhance customer engagement and experience, improve company performance, deliver better environmental outcomes and enable greater regulatory compliance.

Water companies and the water sector face huge challenges over the coming decades if Water UK's 2050 vision and the Government's environmental targets are to be achieved.

The research shows that through increased data insight and customer involvement, always-on water metering will help to tackle issues pertaining to the climate emergency, water scarcity and pressing customer and societal demands brought about by an increasing population. Building on the cost benefit analysis commissioned by Arqiva in 2021, the research suggests AMI can deliver up to £2.2bn in net benefit across England and Wales if implemented and used with the right level of ambition.

The research directly compared the benefits of AMI with that of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) solutions, where meters transmit to either hand-held or vehicle-mounted readers on a periodic basis. While all smart metering has a positive business case, this research shows that AMI allows far greater benefits and for these to be secured faster. The benefits which the different options were assessed on include adaptive planning and resilience, impact on company performance commitments and additional data benefits. In the event of water companies fully embracing AMI, it provides six times the benefit of AMR. Always-on connected water metering can provide the data needed to take action to reduce costs, for example through reduced leaks, and support water customers to take action to reduce bills..

Owing to the increasing reliance on data and technology to meet best practice within the sector, the research suggests that water companies should consider that any delay to their investment in AMI would likely impact their ability to achieve leakage, sustainability and consumption reduction targets.

In response to the unprecedented challenges that the water sector faces, Ofwat has asked that companies build resilience and adaptability into their plans. While aware that AMI requires wider investment, this new research by Artesia and Frontier recommends that Ofwat robustly challenge water companies on whether they have considered the entire spectrum of benefits which the most advanced metering options may enable.

Ultimately, the inclusion of always-on connected water metering, providing continuous data - specifically Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) - in PR24 (Ofwat's price review for 2024 which will set wholesale price controls for water and sewerage companies for 2025 to 2030) represents a tangible way for the UK and its water companies to counter some of the challenges outlined in Water UK's 2050 Vision and to help meet the Government's environmental targets.

From a consumer standpoint, being able to see continuous consumption data and leakage notifications engaged those customers in understanding their use of water, leading to faster and cheaper leak reduction and personal consumption reductions as evidenced by those companies who have already invested. For vulnerable customers, the cost benefits analysis opens the door to innovative tariffing because even without usage based charging, the business case is still robust and positive.

Water companies and Ofwat are faced with a choice about how ambitious they want to be in the run up to PR24 and AMP8. The societal, environmental, and economic benefits of deploying the most advanced technology, specifically AMI, are clear, and a lack of ambition will impede water companies' ability to meet leakage and consumption targets and to secure the accurate and timely data required to help customers take action to reduce their water bills. The immediacy of the environmental and cost of living issues we face means that government, regulators and industry must work together to support and accelerate the adoption of always-on connected water meters.

Laurie Patten, Director of Strategy and Regulation at Arqiva

We know from previous research that there is a solid case for smart metering. However, what these findings illustrate is that a rollout enabling always-on connected water meters, specifically AMI, would better facilitate social and environmental benefits for society as a whole, driven by data.

Rob Lawson, Director at Artesia

Our findings show that AMI represents a low-regret investment and enables more ambitious outcomes for customers and society. It is more cost effective than AMR in achieving consumption reduction, leakage efficiency and carbon abatements, while also being a resilient option in light of potential climate and demand cha
LINK: https://www.arqiva.com/news-views/news/experts-make-case-for-AMI...
See more stories from arqiva

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

04/07/2026

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in Dolby Cinemas Across Japan, Presented in Dolby Atmos and Dolby ...

April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

19/04/2026

Ikegami Announces VFE-P07D Monocular OLED Viewfinder with...

Ikegami announces a further expansion to its range of on-camera viewfinders. Scheduled for introduction on Ikegamis Central Hall booth C3819 at the April 19th -...

19/04/2026

GatesAir Strengthens Global Services Team with New Hires

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

19/04/2026

MASN, Spectrum Ink Multiyear Carriage Agreement

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

19/04/2026

Calrec and Grass Valley Unveil ImPulseV and AMPP Integration

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

19/04/2026

Clear-Com Unveils FreeSpeak Cell

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: MultiDyne begins shipping C16-AM-12G audio monitor for SDI and IP workflows

MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems has begun shipping the C16-AM-12G audio mo...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: FOR-A America announces AI updates for IMPULSE platform and release of MixBoard and HVS-Q12 switchers

FOR-A America is set to detail AI functionality for its software-defined IMPULSE...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Cobalt Digital and SineSix Media integrate audio description technology for broadcast workflows

Cobalt Digital and SineSix Media have announced a partnership to integrate the v...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: ATSC focuses on 3.0 broadcast standard implementation at NAB Show 2026

The ATSC, the broadcast standards association, is highlighting the status of the ATSC 3.0 internet protocol-based broadcast standard at the 2026 NAB Show. The e...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Bolin Technology introduces Range PTZR camera, R9-L420N PTZ, and KBD Plus controller

Bolin Technology has introduced a new range of hardware for live production envi...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: KMH Integration showcases AV Casting workflow approach and new technology at NAB 2026

KMH Integration is participating in the 2026 NAB Show, focusing on its AV Casti...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Appear appoints Mike Burk as vice president of business development

Appear has appointed Mike Burk as vice president of business development for North America. Burk brings over two decades of experience in the broadcast and live...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Skyline Communications demonstrates DataMiner platform and AI capabilities at NAB Show

Skyline Communications is showcasing its DataMiner platform and the new DataMine...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Telos Alliance unveils new broadcast audio hardware and software at NAB Show

Telos Alliance is exhibiting its portfolio of broadcast audio products at the 20...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: TAG Video Systems adds real-time monitoring to AWS Elemental MediaConnect Router

TAG Video Systems has announced an integration with the AWS Elemental MediaConne...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Blackmagic Design Announces DaVinci Resolve 21

Blackmagic Design has announced DaVinci Resolve 21, with a public beta available now for download. The update will be demonstrated at NAB Show 2026 (Booth N2502...

18/04/2026

NAB 2026: Calrec and Grass Valley Announce Audio Technology Partnership

Calrec (Booth C6907) and Grass Valley (Booth C2408) have announced a long-term broadcast audio technology partnership at NAB Show 2026, integrating Calrec's...

18/04/2026

Blackmagic Design introduce Fairlight Live

Free software mixer now in public beta Blackmagic Design are best known for their high-end video hardware and DaVinci Resolve editing software, but the latt...

18/04/2026

The Gauge: Poland | March 2026

The first signs of spring in March led to Poles spending significantly less time in front of their screens, leading to a sharp 22-minute drop in average viewing...

18/04/2026

MediaKind Showcases Multiview Deployments at 2026 NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/04/2026

Clear-Com Unveils FreeSpeak Cell- A Breakthrough Cellular...

Clear-Com announced FreeSpeak Cell , a cellular-based wireless intercom system that uses LTE and 5G infrastructure to support large-scale production communicat...

18/04/2026

ATSC Offers Free ATSC 3.0 Guide to 2026 NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/04/2026

Telos Alliance Introduces Four New Products at the 2026 NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/04/2026

AEQ to Showcase Forum IP Plus and Systel Max at 2026 NAB Show

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/04/2026

Nexstar to Appeal Preliminary Injunction Blocking Tegna Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

18/04/2026

TAG Video Systems Brings Realtime Monitoring to AWS Eleme...

New York, NY, April 17, 2026 -- TAG Video Systems has announced an integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elemental MediaConnect Router. The integration bri...

18/04/2026

Pro Sound Effects Launches the First and Only Native Soun...

Pro Sound Effects (PSE), the leading provider of professionally recorded sound effects for film, television, advertising, and technology today announced the lau...

18/04/2026

Fincons Group Achieves AWS Media and Entertainment Compet...

Fincons Group, a multinational IT business consulting and system integrator firm, announced today that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Media & Enterta...

18/04/2026

Adobe extends leadership in video: unleashing new AI-powered creation in Firefly, reinventing color for editors in Premiere

Adobe extends leadership in video: unleashing new AI-powered creation in Firefly...

17/04/2026

World Fencing League Announces DAZN as Global Streaming Partner Ahead of April 25 Debut

The World Fencing League (WFL) has announced DAZN as its primary global streamin...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: ARRI Releases ALEXA 35 SUP 6.0 and LPS-1 SUP 1.3 Software Updates

ARRI Releases ALEXA 35 SUP 6.0 and LPS-1 SUP 1.3 Software Updates ARRI has announced software updates for its ALEXA 35 Live camera and Live Production System L...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: Sennheiser Announces Spectera Studio System Planner for Spectera Wireless Ecosystem

Sennheiser has announced Spectera Studio, an offline system planner for its Spec...

17/04/2026

Deltatre and DFB Announce DFB.TV+ Streaming Service, Launching May 22

Deltatre and the German Football Association (DFB) have announced DFB.TV+, a DFB-owned direct-to-consumer streaming service developed and operated by Deltatre. ...

17/04/2026

IMG announces senior leadership roles for next phase of growth

Global sports marketing agency IMG has announced new senior leadership roles, designed to strengthen how it supports rightsholders and partners in the midst of ...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: NAGRAVISION and Harmonic Launch Watermarking-as-a-Service for Live Event Streaming

NAGRAVISION and Harmonic have announced a watermarking-as-a-service solution for...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: NETGEAR and EVS Announce Technology Partnership for AV-over-IP Live Production

NETGEAR and EVS Broadcast Equipment have announced a global technology partnersh...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: Americas Broadcasters Launch NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program

America's broadcasters are launching the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Program, a new initiative designed to provide millions of American viewers with a low-cost...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: Quantum to Showcase Tape-Anchored Storage Workflows, Responds to Industry Supply Chain and Power Disruption

Quantum Corp. will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth N1726), presenting what it ca...

17/04/2026

SVG Marks 20th Anniversary with Plan to Set Course for the Future

Leadership and Staff Announce '20/20 Vision' Playbook...

17/04/2026

TNT Sports Acquires U.S. Broadcast Rights to FIA World Endurance Championship

TNT Sports has announced a multi-year agreement for U.S. media rights to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Three events will air on truTV - the 24 Hou...

17/04/2026

Scripps Sports and PBR Announce Multi-Year Broadcast Partnership for Premier Womens Rodeo

Scripps Sports has announced a multi-year broadcast partnership with PBR (Profes...

17/04/2026

NAB 2026: Adder Technology Releases AIM 6 IP KVM Matrix Management Software

Adder Technology, a specialist in connectivity solutions and high performance IP KVM, today announced the latest release of AIM, its IP KVM matrix management so...

17/04/2026

Victory+ and Dallas Cowboys Announce Multi-Year Content Streaming Partnership

Victory , a free sports streaming platform from A Parent Media Co. Inc. (APMC), has announced a multi-year content distribution partnership with the Dallas Cowb...

17/04/2026

SVG GameDay, Ep. 11: Philadelphia Phillies Arianna Krizek - Baseball at the Bank

In-venue and creative video staffers at the professional and collegiate level have one major thing in common: the intensity and attention to detail ramps up dur...