First:utility selects OnStream for national smart meter project

Saturday, 24 October 2009 00:33

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On October 23 first:utility, the independent energy supplier, announced that it had selected OnStream to install smart meters nationwide.  OnStream, a National Grid company, has extensive experience installing and supporting smart meters.

Smart meters are central to first:utility’s business strategy.  The utility provides them so customers have much more control over how they are using energy.  Using the devices helps consumers conserve energy and save money.  The independent supplier is still the only utility in the UK that provides smart meters for all its customers at no cost.

OnStream has already installed more than 27,000 smart meters in homes and businesses throughout the UK.  The solutions provider began installing smart electric and gas meters for first:utility on October 1.  Starting with the East and West Midlands, first:utility will introduce smart meters region-by-region and OnStream will accelerate the process.

“We knew that the smart meter offering was seen as a real alternative to the norm in the energy marketplace from the overwhelmingly positive response that we have received since launch,” said Mark Daeche, CEO of first:utility. 

“We looked for an organisation which we were going to be able to partner with and who would support us on many levels – providing well-qualified engineers who are equipped to install electricity and gas meters in one visit, plus provide the back-office processes involved in that – and we believe that we definitely found that in OnStream.”

“Smart metering represents a significant step forward in domestic energy consumption in the UK, both in economic and environmental terms,” said Sharon Rodriguez, Director of OnStream.  “We are delighted to be partnering first:utility who share our commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service, and will ensure that our expertise and exemplary record for safety make our venture successful.”

First:utility’s unique approach also won it a contract with home builder Miller Homes earlier this month.  For the next three years it will be the builder’s exclusive supplier of smart meters.  Miller Homes is the sixth largest homebuilder in the UK and plans on building more than 2000 homes by the end of 2010.

“Since our launch, first:utility has always aimed to provide our customers with a real alternative when it comes to a more intelligent approach to energy – and with smart meters at the core of the offering it enables businesses and consumers to better manage their energy usage, change their behaviour and ultimately reduce energy wastage,” said Martin Moir, head of sales at first:utility.

First:utility
4360 Po Box
Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 9DB
http://www.first-utility.com

OnStream
35 Homer Road
Solihull West Midlands B91 3QJ
http://www.onstream.co.uk

National Grid
1-3 Strand
London, ENG WC2N 5EH
United Kingdom
http://www.nationalgrid.com/