Essex & Suffolk Water smart meters 'more reliable'

Smart water meters like this one are being introduced across Suffolk and Essex.

Smart water meters are "more reliable" than their electricity or gas counterparts, according to a senior water boss.

The devices are currently being rolled out across Suffolk, with Essex to follow soon afterwards.

Kieran Ingram, group water director for Essex & Suffolk Water, said smart meter technology had improved in recent years.

"We believe they'll have a 15-year life cycle," he said.

Water 'wastage'

Like those for electricity and gas, smart water meters allow customers to see what they are currently using, as well as sending automatic meter readings and helping to detect leaks.

But a report in December revealed that almost three million gas and electricity smart meters were not working, leading to some customers being billed incorrectly.

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"We do believe [smart water meters] are more reliable; technology is only getting better," Mr Ingram said.

"If it did fail, we could still physically read your meter by visiting the property, or you can submit your own meter reading if you feel comfortable to do that yourself."

A 19.5km water pipeline is being constructed next to Abberton reservoir, near Colchester

The pipeline is made up of more than 3,500 sections

The smart meter roll-out is one part of a £150m investment in infrastructure by the water company.

The firm was also spending £20m in Essex on a 19.5km pipeline stretching from Layer-de-la-Haye, near Abberton reservoir, to Langford, near Maldon.

When complete, it will carry 20 million litres of pressurised water every day, which the water company said will improve the resilience of supply for 370,000 customers.

Daniel Wilson, projects manager, said: "It allows us to move water around when we see peaks in demand, particularly during the summer months."

The project is currently running £3m under its £20m budget, which will be welcome news to customers who will have seen their water bills increase in April alongside other utility providers.

Kieran Ingram says Essex & Suffolk Water is spending customers' money "wisely"

Essex & Suffolk Water has proposed to increase bills over the next five years, although this is subject to approval by the industry regulator Ofwat.

"Some of the investment comes from customers' bills, the rest of it comes from our shareholders," said Mr Ingram.

"We want to reassure customers we are trying to spend their money wisely."

The pipeline is scheduled to finish in autumn 2024.