Manage meters onsite

Managing meters onsite across various locations in Great Britain presents several significant challenges that can impact billing accuracy and customer service quality. Here are the primary difficulties:

Connectivity issues

Connecting with meters can be a major challenge, especially when they are installed in remote or hard-to-reach locations, or if there were faults during the initial setup. Poor connectivity can lead to missed or incorrect meter readings, resulting in inaccurate billing. Given that energy suppliers can only backdate bills for up to 12 months, any connectivity issues can cause significant revenue losses and customer dissatisfaction due to unexpected large bills when the issues are eventually resolved.

Access to physical locations

Gaining access to the physical location of meters can often be problematic. Customers might not be available to provide access, or there may be physical barriers that prevent technicians from reaching the meter. This can delay necessary maintenance or readings, further complicating the billing process and reducing the reliability of the service provided.

Expertise and equipment

When onsite visits are necessary, having the right equipment and expertise is crucial. Technicians who arrive without the appropriate tools or knowledge may be unable to address issues, wasting time and resources. This not only frustrates customers but also increases operational costs due to the need for repeat visits.

Competently trained individuals who utilise compliant processes and systems ensures data accuracy and validity.

Secondary meters

Managing secondary meters adds another layer of complexity. These meters often require separate readings and maintenance, and ensuring accurate data services from all meters at a site can be challenging. Any errors or omissions can lead to discrepancies in billing and customer complaints.

Implications of ineffective meter management

Ineffective management of onsite meters can lead to incorrect billing, which directly impacts customer satisfaction and increases churn rates. Poor experiences stemming from these issues can damage the supplier’s reputation and lead to additional costs in handling complaints and disputes. Furthermore, inefficient meter management results in wasted time and resources, making operations less profitable.

The solution

By addressing these challenges with robust meter management solutions, energy suppliers can enhance billing accuracy, improve customer service, and ensure efficient and cost-effective operations. TMA’s comprehensive suite of tools and services is designed to help suppliers manage meters effectively across different locations, ensuring reliable data services and exceptional customer experiences.