Smart Meters

Smart meters are being rolled out nationally between now and 2035 to help protect our water resources and support customers in identifying and reducing water waste. 

This nationwide upgrade is an important step towards easing pressure on the UK’s water resources. Smart meters will help reduce water demand, cut leakage and give businesses the insights they need to manage their water more efficiently. 

For customers, having a smart meter will mean accurate billing and comprehensive usage data, making it easier to track consumption, identify opportunities to save water and cut costs. Together, these benefits support a more sustainable water system for everyone. 

What are the benefits of smart metering? 

Once connected to the communications network, your smart meter will provide near real-time information about your water use. This means: 

• even more accurate bills – your bills will be based on your actual water usage instead of estimates  

• better visibility of your water consumption – we’ll be able to help you spot unusual consumption and identify opportunities to reduce water waste, and your costs. 

What you need to know about smart metering 

Smart water meters are devices that automatically track your water use and send water usage data to your water wholesaler throughout the day using a secure connection. We can use the smart meter data to help you spot leaks and manage your water usage better. 

Smart meters are being installed by water wholesalers across the UK. Each wholesaler has their own roll-out plan, so timelines vary depending on location.  

You can learn more about your water wholesaler’s smart meter installation plan by visiting their website. If you’re not sure who your wholesaler is, you can find your water wholesaler’s details on our webpage. 

For more information about the smart meter roll-out and installation plan in, you can view MOSL’s smart meter implementation map. 

What does smart metering mean for your business? 

Once your smart meter is installed and connected to the communications network, we’ll have access to more detailed consumption data. This means we’ll be able to bill you more accurately based on your actual water usage instead of estimates. We’ll also be able to help you to understand and reduce your water usage and spot any leaks. 

The roll-out of smart metering isn’t just about ticking a regulatory box, it’s a chance to protect our water future and give businesses the opportunity to understand more about their water use, empowering them to use water wisely. 

Read our latest LinkedIn Newsletter about smart metering.  

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

How is a smart meter different from a traditional meter? 

Unlike traditional meters, which require manual readings, a smart meter automatically records your water use in near real-time, helping you track your usage more accurately and spot leaks faster, saving water and money.  

When will I get my smart meter? 

Smart meter upgrades are being rolled out in phases. Wholesalers are working to different timelines, but most English wholesalers are aiming to complete their roll out of smart meters by 2035.  

Learn more about your water wholesaler’s specific roll-out timeline on their website.  

Is there a cost to have my smart meter installed?  

No, your smart meter will be installed and maintained by your wholesaler for free.  

Do I have to sign up to receive a smart meter? 

Your wholesaler is required to install your smart meter as part of a national roll-out. You do not have to sign up for the installation.  

Will the meter work as a smart meter right away? 

Once your smart meter has been installed, there may be a period of time where we’ll continue to take meter readings manually before your water wholesaler is able to connect the new meter to the communications network (‘enabled’).  

During this period, you can also provide your own meter readings (where it is safe to do so) to ensure your bills are as accurate as possible.   

To upload a meter reading, please visit business-stream.co.uk/meter-reading or go to ‘Submit a meter reading’ on your My Business Stream account. 

If your smart meter is ‘enabled’ as soon as it is installed, we will begin to use the data immediately and this will be reflected on your bills. 

What happens if I already have a data logger installed (also known as an Automated Meter Reader – AMR)? 

If you have a data logger fitted to your current meter, your wholesaler is responsible for identifying this in advance of your smart meter fitting and for contacting us to consult on the exchange. You do not need to remove your device in advance.  

What is the difference between AMR and water smart meters?  

A data logger (also sometimes referred to as AMR) is an additional device that is retrofitted to a traditional water meter. It records detailed consumption data but the data has to be collected via a direct network connection or through proximity reading (often called “drive-by” reading). 

Smart meters are water meters which have integrated AMRs, which automatically send regular consumption data back to the water wholesaler via their systems. This provides us with near real-time visibility of your usage, typically on an hourly basis. 

Can I opt out of having a smart meter installed? 

We’re committed to supporting the roll-out of smart meters because they play an important role in improving the service we provide and helping us all protect our water resources for the future. 

Under the Water Industry Act, water wholesalers have the right to install smart meters at business premises and customers don’t have the right to refuse.  

Will my water supply be interrupted when the smart meter is installed? 

There may be a brief water supply interruption during installation. Your wholesaler will communicate with you on site about this. 

How will I know when my site is having a smart meter installed?  

When your site has been registered for smart meter installation by your wholesaler, we’ll write to you in advance, and let you know what to expect. 

Where can I find more information about my smart meter installation?  

You can learn more about your water wholesaler’s smart meter installation plan by visiting their website. If you’re not sure who your wholesaler is, you can find your water wholesalers details on our webpage. 

For more information about the smart meter roll-out and installation plans,  you can view MOSL’s smart meter implementation map.