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to impact u li es is the digi sa on of systems and the prolifera on of data across businesses. The UWL survey showed that data analy cs is currently considered to be the technology with the biggest impact on the industry. Respondents were asked to rate technologies on a scale of 1 to 10, with data analy cs receiving the highest average score of 7.6. Across all the technologies tested, the average pping point for mass take-up is expected to be 2027. For data analy cs, take-up is expected to be ahead of the curve in 2023. But many energy fi rms are already taking great strides to streamline their data processes. Casey Cole, managing director at Guru Systems, notes that the feedback loop for obtaining system and asset informa on has become much ghter in recent years, and expects the industry to con nue on this trajectory over the next decade. "We used to rely on manual collec on of data from energy systems, some mes in hand-wri en form," Cole recalls. "Now, as u li es are digi sed, data can fl ow from a huge number of sensors on a u lity network into the cloud for machine-learning analysis, with results available within seconds. "Decision-making cycles that used to take months or years can now be completed in days or even hours." While new technology has made it increasingly easy for companies to collect data rela ng to everything from asset condi on to consumer behaviour, this informa on is impotent if it is of poor quality or is not used eff ec vely and securely. The report by the Na onal Infrastructure Commission (NIC) on data highlighted its crucial func on in s mula ng innova on. Data for the Public Good outlined the important role for regulators in improving the quality and sharing of infrastructure data to support innova on. "There just needs to be a stronger focus on innova on across the sector, and – as set out in our Data for the Public Good report – the quality, consistency and availability of infrastructure data needs to be driven up," Philip Graham, chief execu ve at the NIC, says. "But another important issue is that there's limited understanding of the poten al and benefi ts of new technologies. We're keen to see that, where a new technology improves a service or reduces costs for customers, informa on is shared so that all u lity companies can roll it out, which would help tackle this issue." DATA DEBATE The use of 'big data' systems to monitor, analyse and automate produc on, management and demand is not a new concept for the energy industry. In addi on, the rise of customer-centric products and services for energy monitoring and automa on provides u li es with further data, capabili es and insights. Similarly, there is increasing recogni on in the water sector that be er u lisa on of big data tools, such as smart metering, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), is essen al to transi on to a more sustainable and reliable water network. According to the UWL survey, the water sector rated water metering (8.1 out of 10) and data analy cs (8.3) as two of the top technologies currently having a major impact on the industry. IoT and AI follow closely, according to water respondents, scoring 6.8 and 7.3 respec vely. However, Stephanie Hurry, head of water effi ciency and customer par cipa on at Waterwise, insists there is s ll a need for a larger debate within the water sector about the amount of open data, and the use of data in general. "More open data would enable greater public engagement with water and the development of more ICT [informa on and communica ons technology] solu ons, which could aid water effi ciency," she says. "However, there is also a need to protect privacy and consider the ethics of data collec on and use." Hurry acknowledges that while the level of metering in the sector has grown drama cally over the past 10 years, the propor on of smart meter solu ons must be increased. "Smart meters should provide informa on that will aid network op misa on and customer-facing informa on to drive water effi ciency. But there needs to be more work on the use of smart rather than big data," she adds. "Water companies need to focus on what data is needed and how this should be gathered." But the metering of individual homes should not be viewed as the only solu on. "Neighbourhood meters for network op misa on combined with in-home sensors that can provide data directly to customers' smart phones are one alterna ve approach," Hurry says. EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS U lising technology to engage with consumers is key to the transi on to a more fl exible, resilient and sustainable u lity network. But the infl ux of new technologies makes it increasingly diffi cult for u li es to iden fy the solu ons that are the best fi t for their business and their customers. Faced with such a saturated market, u li es must engage more with consumers to ensure they are part of the decision- making process and feel commi ed to their role in helping to deliver the energy and water systems of the future. For Anglian Water, innova on and customer engagement are intrinsically linked. The company's Innova on Shop Window in Newmarket (see case study) is a real-world test site that promotes innova on and the development of new technologies to help the business tackle the unique challenges facing the region. "As one of the fastest-growing, and driest, regions in the country, planning for the future and improving resilience is a top priority," Adam Brookes, technology and innova on programme manager for Anglian Water, says. "But it doesn't stop with technological advancements on our network – the same approach to innova on is replicated in our approach with engaging the community. One year into the [Innova on Shop Window] campaign, we've already seen customer sa sfac on and engagement soar, and people's average water use drop by 6 per cent. "It is only by trialling and applying the latest solu ons across our networks, systems and engagement with customers that we are able to con nue to meet their demands while balancing the needs of the environment and keeping bills aff ordable for all." Similarly, the digital transforma on across the energy sector is empowering consumers via their smart devices so that they become ac ve par cipants in the system. However, James Robo om, energy lead at the Ins tu on of Engineering and Technology (IET), warns that this digital transforma on poses both an opportunity and a threat to u li es. "It will con nue to change the role of u li es, and where the value lies in the energy system," he says. "Digitalisa on is at the core of a large opportunity to fi nd new business models to capture this value, but is also a threat to established ways of working." INNOVATION INHIBITORS Robo om believes the na onal energy transforma on requires a en on to true whole system op misa on, including the emergent smart energy system on the customer's side of the meter, comprising integrated home genera on, I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H CASE STUDY – INNOVATION SHOP WINDOW Anglian Water's Innova on Shop Window is a real-world loca on where the company seeks to drive innova on through collabora on across its business, supply chain and the en re man-made water cycle. According to the company, the Newmarket site allows it to improve customer service, environmental stewardship and the effi ciency of the business at a much faster pace. Adam Brookes, technology and innova on programme manager at Anglian Water, describes the Shop Window as a microcosm of what a future water company looks like. "Our Innova on Shop Window in Newmarket is an industry fi rst, real-world test-bed that allows the organisa on to trial the latest technology, systems and processes to create the water company of the future, today," he says. Anglian Water is working with a range of organisa ons including universi es, chari es, small to medium-sized businesses, large mul -na onal companies and suppliers inside and outside the water sector to test products and services within the Newmarket catchment. As part of the ini a ve, the company has set out seven goals to tackle the key challenges facing the water industry: 1. Water consump on of 80 litres per person per day 2. Zero leakage and bursts 3. Building a circular economy that eliminates waste 4. Energy neutral 5. Zero pollu on and fl ooding 6. 100 per cent compliant and chemical- free drinking water 7. 100 per cent customer sa sfac on wwtonline.co.uk | MARCH 2019 WET NEWS 15

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