AMI meters: A transformative technology in the utility sector

5 September 2024

AMI meters are a transformative technology in the utility sector, revolutionising how energy and water consumption are monitored and managed. Learn how our sister company, Horizon Energy Infrastructure (HEI), achieved this for energy—just as we aim to do for water—by accelerating smart meter rollouts and delivering data-driven solutions through innovative financing.

Innovative solutions to meet the global demand for AMI meters

The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) market size was valued at 24.16 billion USD in 2022 and is projected to grow from 27.69 billion in 2023 to 52.40 billion by 2030 as governments worldwide work to achieve net zero by 2050*. This is a compounded annual growth rate of 10.16% over the period.

AMI meters are a transformative technology, revolutionising how energy and water consumption are monitored and managed. This growing demand, however, has introduced significant challenges to the global supply chain. Over the past five years, factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the blockage of the SUEZ Canal, and the ongoing war in Europe have all impacted the supply chain for meters.

Real solutions to demand challenges

To navigate these challenges and meet customers’ needs, HEI worked closely with customers and manufacturers to identify alternative sourcing solutions. In addition, preferred manufacturers expanded their component supply chain and established new supply routes for shipping and transportation. HEI engaged closely with its customers to better understand their evolving requirements. In doing so, they identified that some customers had surplus meters, enabling them to redistribute resources flexibly across different regions to address immediate demands.

By being creative and imaginative all parties were able to work together effectively. HEI diversified their partnerships across multiple manufacturers, spreading the risk and building flexibility into their supply chain, allowing them to switch orders between suppliers as needed and supply non-forecasted meters at short notice.

This innovative and flexible approach has helped HEI to maintain a resilient and responsive supply chain, ensuring they can continue to meet their customers’ needs despite ongoing global challenges. Partnerships have also been strengthened, whilst ensuring that energy providers could continue their rollouts smoothly—without delays or interruptions—to deliver on time.

Our solutions for water

Drawing on 15 years of UK smart meter asset expertise from HEI, we have built a robust network of strategic partnerships with leading companies and experts in the energy and water sector, specialising in installation, smart meter manufacturing, communications and data management. This collaboration and experience allow us to deliver comprehensive and innovative solutions tailored to the water sector’s needs.