SMS wins contract with Alt HAN Co to pilot ‘Crowded Meter Room’ project

We’re delighted to announce that we have been appointed by the Alternative Home Area Network Company (Alt HAN Co) to deliver a project which aims to remove the barrier that overcrowded meter rooms create for the rollout of smart meters in shared residential properties.

In the UK, the gas and electricity meters of homeowners and tenants – particularly those living in apartment blocks – are often co-located in small rooms with insufficient space to install new smart metering equipment.

In a pilot led by Alt HAN Co – the regulated, not-for-profit collective of UK energy suppliers – SMS has been appointed as a Meter Equipment Manager (MEM) of specific regions in England to test the operational viability of coordinated works which could resolve this common issue, enabling greater installation rates of smart meters within UK apartments and other shared residential premises.

The nationwide pilot will survey around 100 customer buildings, and deliver resolution works in up to 50. It is scheduled to run for around six months, and the findings will inform a decision later in the year by the Alt HAN Forum on whether a full service should be rolled out.

To support the project, we will call on our vast expertise and knowledge in meter testing and fitting to pilot new ways of accommodating smart meter installation within such crowded spaces which might otherwise prevent their successful commissioning.

Our appointment builds on the already fruitful relationship we share will Alt HAN Co, having last year worked with the group to develop new wireless technology solutions designed to boost smart meter connectivity.

Chris Perry, Operations Director and Alt HAN sponsor of the Crowded Meter Room pilot:

“Alt HAN is all about not leaving customers behind in the transition to smart energy. Space in meter rooms is a potential blocker, and it is right that we try to find effective market-wide solutions. Alt HAN is uniquely placed to support because of our ability to do things collectively on behalf of all energy suppliers. The meter room pilot and these new commercial partnerships show the commitment from all stakeholders to innovate and test new things operationally.”

Tom Woolley, Smart Product and Strategy Director at SMS:

“We’ve enjoyed our strategic relationship with Alt HAN since launching our dedicated partner testing facility and services in 2021, as well as surveying work we undertook for Alt HAN throughout last year. The Crowded Meter Room Pilot is a key next step for SMS and our industry as we continue to provide solutions that enable more consumers to enjoy the benefits of smart meters.”