The utilities sector in the face of transformation

In an era of rising resource costs, increasing digitalisation and climate change, the utilities sector is faced with the need to redefine its priorities.

That is why the research firm Hume’s Institute, in cooperation with the Apator Group, conducted a comprehensive study aimed at identifying current trends, expectations and challenges in the measurement of utilities – electricity, water, heat and gas.

The report is based on unique data, including interviews with representatives of key sectors – energy market entities (DSOs/DSOs-N, energy cooperatives), water utilities and production facilities. As a result, it presents a precise picture of the current situation in the utilities sector – from factors influencing the choice of metering devices, through the use and perception of smart meters, to observed trends and challenges in the area of security. Thanks to this broad coverage of the topic, the publication serves as a valuable source of knowledge for all market participants – including technology suppliers, end users, public institutions and infrastructure operators.

Precision, automation and comprehensiveness – new standards in metering

The survey results clearly show that measurement accuracy and the ability to automatically read data are now key features of metering systems in the utilities sector. Over half of the respondents indicated that the ideal solution should combine precision with comprehensiveness – covering not only devices but also software supporting billing, analyses of data and consumption optimisation. For the remainder, the most important factor was accurate measurement combined with automatic reading (22%) or the ability to bill costs at specific consumption points (18%).

Among the factors determining the choice of metering devices for various sectors, measurement accuracy was rated highest (69%). System security, the ability to read meters remotely, and the savings resulting from the implementation of modern solutions are also very important. Although the country of origin of the devices was not a key factor, one third of respondents did take it into account. Respondents clearly preferred Polish (87%) and European (40%) products, citing their quality, availability of after-sales service, the absence of communication issues should the need arise, and a desire to support domestic industry.

Smart meters – technology with potential

Smart metering systems show enormous potential across various utility sectors. Looking ahead to the next five years, respondents highlight trends related to the growing importance of optimising utility consumption (35%), the development of Renewable Energy Sources (31%) and the use of artificial intelligence in energy management (26%). Environmental sustainability and the implementation of technological innovations, although currently less significant, are gaining importance in the context of sustainability. It is worth noting that the majority of respondents prefer proven solutions from suppliers with an established market position, which confirms the importance of stability and reliability in technology partners.

The report also analyses the differing needs of various sectors in terms of utility metering. Energy market entities focus on comprehensive solutions and remote access to data – as many as three-quarters of them have already implemented smart meters for all or part of their electricity metering equipment. Production facilities stand out for their high level of automation and intensive use of smart metering, both for electricity and gas. Housing cooperatives particularly value the ability to identify areas generating high costs and the potential to reduce losses – for them, cost-saving and analytical aspects are key. Water utilities, on the other hand, regard measurement accuracy as an absolute priority – 86% of them use smart water meters.

Download the report – discover key trends and recommendations

Based on the survey results, the report’s authors have formulated a series of recommendations for companies and institutions operating in the utilities sector. First and foremost, it is worth starting by precisely defining your needs – is the priority automation, accuracy, or the comprehensiveness of the solution? The choice of the right metering system should take into account not only technical parameters, but also software quality, the ability to integrate with existing systems, and the level of implementation support. It is also worth paying attention to data security and technological compatibility – particularly in the context of the growing number of cyber threats.

A well-chosen measurement system can become not only an operational tool, but also a key element of energy security and sustainability strategies. Find out more – contact us at apator@apator.com and discover our recommendations for your industry!