Alt HAN is pleased to announce the decision by our Energy Supplier members giving the green light to a new service to improve access to smart meters for customers in apartment blocks. The Crowded Meter Room (CMR) service is now being mobilised with our Meter Equipment Manager (MEM) partners IMServ and SMS plc, and plans to go live in mid-2024. Without the service, customers in around 5,000 buildings risk being excluded from smart metering because of a lack of space.
Alt HAN devices are a simple, innovative solution to extend the range of the smart meter communication network within the home. But the devices need space to be fitted next to the meter – and in some buildings this is not available. The problem is more common in apartment blocks, where meters are often installed alongside each other in a meter room or cupboard.
Alt HAN has led the development work across Energy Suppliers, electricity distribution companies, building operators and other stakeholders to explore ways of making these buildings “smart ready”. In particular how Alt HAN might co-ordinate across multiple interested parties such that the costs of creating the necessary space are minimised, and shared appropriately. The model was successfully piloted in around 100 buildings during 2023.
Paul Cooper, Managing Director of Alt HAN Co, said:
“The Crowded Meter Room pilot has demonstrated that Alt HAN can successfully co-ordinate resolution works in meter rooms to enable smart meter installs for customers who would otherwise not be able to access the benefits of smart metering. We are looking forward to working with Energy Suppliers and Meter Equipment Managers to mobilise and run the enduring CMR service.”
