SMS extends metering and data solutions partnership with Verastar Group

SMS is delighted to announce the extension of its partnership with Verastar Group, which provides essential services including energy, utilities, telecoms, insurance and payments services for small UK businesses.

The extended agreement will focus on the delivery of second-generation (SMETS2) smart meter installations as part of the UK Government’s Smart Meter Implementation Programme, as well as Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and data collection and aggregation solutions (DCDA) for Verastar’s small business customers.

Lisa Preston, Industrial and Commercial Accounts Director at SMS, said: 

“With Verastar’s focus on creating savings, efficiencies and value for the country’s small business market, we’re thrilled to be helping our client uphold its commitments and values. In providing a range of metering and data solutions which are fundamental to helping reduce energy costs, consumption and carbon emissions, we’ll be helping small business across the UK to prepare for a net zero future.”

The news of the strengthened partnership comes on the back of a recent announcement detailing SMS’s extended exclusivity agreement with Shell Energy Ltd for the installation of the energy supplier’s domestic smart meter portfolio.

Last year, SMS – which has so far installed over 1.7m smart meters in UK homes and business – announced c.900,000 of new meter contract wins, increasing its contracted order pipeline for UK energy suppliers to 2.55 million smart meters.

Gary Hart, Head of Metering & Billing Operations at Verastar, said: 

“SMS has a track record of successful smart meter delivery and the company’s values of putting the customer at the heart of their offering aligns closely with ours at Verastar. We’re excited to be partnering with SMS to continue our drive to equip more UK small businesses with smart meters.”

“Businesses are exposed to volatility and increasing costs within the energy market, so it is more important than ever before for businesses to have a smart meter, particularly small businesses who may not have the finances to manage an unexpected rise in usage costs.”

“Smart meters enable us to provide more accurate business electricity and gas bills as they take more regular and more accurate readings. They will also give businesses greater oversite of their energy usage. This allows SMEs to understand their energy use better and take the right actions to meet their goals – whether those goals are related to increasing energy efficiency or reducing company costs.”