Metering Insights
INSIGHTS
Managing the shift to a live metering portfolio
The metering landscape is moving into a new phase, from installation volumes towards managing a live, data-rich portfolio where performance, reliability and long-term value matter most. At BFY, we support metering providers and suppliers in navigating that shift. Our insights address key questions, including:
- How can metering providers move from a focus on installation volumes to managing performance and value across a live portfolio?
- What does the shift from assumptions-based settlement to actual usage data mean for managing risk and unlocking innovation?
- How can operators reduce failed visits and strengthen end-to-end processes to improve outcomes for customers and the business alike?
If we just step back and think about what the smart meter programme is for, it's to create the infrastructure necessary for us to deliver clean power, to align costs and benefits, and to enable flexibility... We're starting to see the focus shift more to managing the live portfolio, as opposed to just simply building it.
David Watson
Principal
WATCH ON DEMAND
Missed the live session? Now's the time to catch up
In this webinar, our team were joined by leaders from Calisen and SSE Energy Solutions to explore how the metering landscape is evolving and what this means for operational performance, commercial models, and customer outcomes across the ecosystem over the next three to five years.
The panel explored how the transition from assumptions-based settlement to actual usage data is creating a data-rich environment that offers both significant risk and massive opportunity for innovation.
Key topics covered include:
- Defining success differently: Success is increasingly being measured through meter performance, asset reliability and long-term value rather than installation volumes alone.
- Better data drives better outcomes: High-quality data and stronger insight were highlighted as critical enablers for improving customer engagement, targeting interventions more effectively and supporting future innovation
- Operational performance remains a major opportunity: Reducing failed visits, improving meter health and strengthening end-to-end processes can deliver significant benefits for both customers and organisations
Metering
Latest Insights
What water can learn from energy's smart meter rollout
As water companies accelerate smart meter rollout, what lessons can they take from energy? Three practical insights to help avoid costly mistakes and deliver lasting value.
From volume to value: Top themes from our metering and field ops webinar
As the smart meter rollout matures, success is no longer measured by installation volumes alone. See the key themes from our latest webinar, including meter performance, data quality, collaboration and the operational changes organisations need to make as MHHS reshapes the market.
Ways to reduce the ~£100m cost of metering aborts
Abort rates have long been a challenge across the metering industry, but the overall cost often receives less attention. Our analysis suggests the annual cost of aborted metering activity could be costing ~£100m per year.
Metering and Field Roundtable: Views from senior industry leaders
At a recent metering and field roundtable, we brought together executives from across suppliers, metering providers and field service organisations to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry.
Energy Smart Rollout – What’s next for the metering ecosystem?
The smart meter rollout is entering a more demanding phase. While the next stage is still being finalised, expectations continue to tighten, with success increasingly judged not only on install rates, but on how well meters perform.
New smart GSOP rules will cost suppliers over £100m per year
Smart meter performance has always mattered, but from early 2026, it will matter in an entirely different way. The introduction of new Guaranteed Standards of Performance rules for smart meters will turn what were previously frustrating customer experiences into immediate, automatic financial liabilities.
Smart rollout targets are still achievable, but only with a shift in focus
As of March 2025, date from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) shows 39m smart and advanced meters have been installed across Great Britain, covering around 67% of ‘all meters’ (domestic and non domestic – 68% for domestic alone). Encouraging on the surface, but when you delve into the detail, it’s clear the rollout is at risk of falling just short of its target.
Suppliers can still hit smart targets, but installation is only half the battle
Q3-24 saw 700k smart meter installs, a ~3% rise, but this pace won’t meet the 74.5% target by Dec-25. Another 5m installs are needed, alongside addressing the 3.7m meters still operating in traditional mode. These persistent issues risk higher service costs and frustrated customers, while competitors are already capitalising on real-time data for personalised tariffs and stronger engagement. Here, we share practical steps to help address this dual challenge.
Identifying opportunities for smart rollout acceleration
The government's smart rollout target for 2025 is getting closer, and although our analysis shows most suppliers are set to fall short of 75% coverage, opportunities to hit the target still exist - as shown in this article.
Metering
Meet the team
Hannah Sword
Director
Hannah leads client engagements, striving to ensure clients gain significant value and benefits and from the work we deliver.
David Watson
Principal
As Principal at BFY, David leads client engagements on energy strategy, policy and commercial excellence, helping them to navigate a complex policy and regulatory landscape, capitalise on emerging opportunities in the energy transition and optimise their operating models for long-term success.
Matt Turner-Tait
Senior Manager
Matt lead clients through key strategic projects exploring growth opportunities, business models, competitive advantage, and mergers & acquisitions.
Tania Rameswaran
Senior Manager
As a Senior Manager at BFY, Tania leads client engagements focussed on delivering large-scale transformation programmes across utilities.
Holly Tetley
Senior Manager
Holly supports clients with large-scale business transformation programmes, delivering significant bottom line improvements through back-office optimisation.
Craig Sutherland
Manager
Craig helps utility companies improve operational performance, reduce revenue leakage and prepare for industry change.