Netmore Group has been selected by Yorkshire Water to spearhead a substantial water meter exchange programme across the Yorkshire region, contingent on final approval from Ofwat, due in December 2024. The agreement marks a significant expansion of Netmore’s role in the UK water sector and underlines Yorkshire Water’s ongoing commitment to enhancing water resource management and customer service.
The ambitious programme will see the replacement of 1.3 million existing water meters with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems, designed to provide improved service, efficiency, and customer support. This initiative aligns with Yorkshire Water’s strategic objectives as outlined in its Water Resources Management Plan 24 and Price Review 24.
Netmore, a leading global provider of LoRaWAN networks, will manage the end-to-end implementation of the project, which includes the delivery, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of smart meters. The company will utilise its extensive LoRaWAN network to deliver Data-as-a-Service to Yorkshire Water, ensuring robust network coverage to meet the required service levels.
The contract, which spans an initial five-year term with data services extending to 2045, also builds on the successful deployment of smart meters that began in 2022. Netmore was previously awarded frameworks for AMI services and the provisioning of meters for up to 360,000 households, including new developments and domestic metered optants.
Ove Anebygd, CEO of Netmore Group, commented on the development: “This agreement represents a key milestone for Netmore as we expand our water utility initiatives across Europe. The transition to sensor-based solutions offers valuable new datasets for managing and conserving water, and we are proud that Yorkshire Water has entrusted us with their AMI initiatives.”
The initial smart metering programme has already yielded significant benefits, including the reduction of 500,000 litres in water leakage and improved understanding of water demand patterns. According to Adam Smith, Manager of Smart Networks and Metering Transformation at Yorkshire Water, “Our initial work with Netmore has been instrumental in reducing leakage and enhancing our ability to target water efficiency efforts. This new programme is expected to further our goals related to leakage, water efficiency, and operational carbon emissions.”
The new meter exchange programme will focus on several key areas:
- Water Leakage: Yorkshire Water aims to cut leakage by 50% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels. The smart meters will help identify properties with continuous water flow, indicating potential leaks and enabling quicker resolution of issues.
- Per Capita Consumption: The programme supports the goal of reducing per capita water consumption to 110 litres per person per day by 2050. Enhanced metering will provide better insights into water use, helping to achieve this target.
- Customer Experience: The introduction of smart meters will streamline processes such as move-ins and move-outs and ensure customers are on the most suitable tariff, improving billing accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Non-Household Demand Reduction: Yorkshire Water aims to reduce non-household water demand by 15% by 2050. The smart metering programme will help identify opportunities for reducing water waste in commercial settings.
In addition to these benefits, the programme is expected to bolster the security of Yorkshire Water’s supply, reduce the use of chemicals in treatment, and lower carbon emissions associated with water treatment and distribution.
Vadim Lyu, Managing Director UK at Netmore Group, emphasised the company’s dedication to delivering impactful solutions for local communities and the environment: “We are honoured to be selected by Yorkshire Water and are committed to meeting the rigorous requirements of this programme to enhance operational performance, deliver environmental benefits, and support regulatory compliance.”
Morrison Water Services, under contract with Netmore, will manage the logistics of meter exchanges, ensuring minimal disruption and high levels of customer satisfaction. Itron and Diehl Metering have been chosen as the meter providers for this programme.
The meter exchange programme is pending Ofwat’s final determination for AMP8, with further details expected after the final decision. The initiative is anticipated to commence in South Yorkshire in 2025, marking a significant step forward in the region’s water management and metering capabilities.
For more information, visit Netmore Group and Yorkshire Water.
