Yorkshire Water is to work with Netmore and Morrison Water Services to exchange 1.3 million existing water meters with smart meters.
The meter exchange programme is expected to begin in South Yorkshire in 2025, subject to Ofwat’s final determination, due in December.
The company says smart meters will also improve leakage detection, benefit customers by providing accurate billing, and create a better understanding of water usage across the region.
Adam Smith, manager of smart networks and metering transformation at Yorkshire Water, said: “By moving to smart meters we can better understand water demand patterns and target water efficiency activity.
“Smart metering provides greater insight into customer water use and helps ensure all customers are on the best tariff available to them, enhancing the ability to provide more regular and accurate water billing.
“Since the smart meter programme launched in 2022, we have been able to save 500,000 litres of water, just by identifying leakage on customers’ pipes. The expansion of the project will enable us to continue making these improvements and ultimately provide customers with a better experience.”
Netmore has been selected as the lead partner to deliver the programme, including the installation, commissioning and maintenance of connected smart meters. Morrison Water Services will work closely with Netmore and customers to deliver the exchange.
Vadim Lyu, MD UK at Netmore Group, said: “We are honoured to have been selected by Yorkshire Water and are committed meeting the strict requirements to deliver smart metering data that will improve their operational performance, deliver better environmental outcomes, and support regulatory compliance.”
Lee Wood, area director at Morrison Water Services, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring Morrison Water Services’ smart metering capabilities to the region.”