Starting in Bexley, southeastLondon, meters installed as part of the scheme will be the first in theUKto be connected to a wireless network.
Thames says the new ‘smart’ technology will give customers more control over their water use and hopes it will encourage the firm’s 3.5 million households to be more water-efficient in a region described by the Environment Agency as “seriously water-stressed.”
The new smart meters can automatically collect water usage data every 15 minutes, giving customers in-depth information on how much water they use, as well as more accurate bills.
Thames’ customers will be given two years before they are moved on to a metered bill, unless they opt to switch early.
It is also hoped that metering will enhance its ability to pinpoint and tackle leakage andThamesis offering repairs free of charge when leaks are detected through smart metering.
30 per cent ofThames’ customers are metered but it is aiming to have universal metering in its region by 2030.
The company’s metering programme will be carried out borough by borough, at what a spokesperson described as a “sensible pace”.
According toThames, by mid-2015, 73 per cent of customers in Bexley will have a water meter – up from 27 per cent of homes today.
Steve Plumb, Thames Water’s head of metering, said: “Our plan to meter all connections in our area was approved by the Government in June 2012 and we are now ready to start the roll out. By using smart meters we will be putting our customers in greater control of their bills, using the most advanced technology.
“Britainis the only country in the developed world without universal water metering or a plan to achieve it. WithLondonbeing classified as ‘seriously water-stressed’ by the Environment Agency, and with customers using a third more water than they did 30 years ago, it is really important we act now.”