Smart meter upgrade begins for prepayment customers
Manx Utilities has started the process of upgrading its domestic metering infrastructure to smart meters
Prepayment customers within the Andreas, Ballaugh, Bride, Jurby, Kirk Michael and Sulby, Peel and western areas are in the process of being contacted as the transition to a new ‘SmarterPAYG’ prepayment system begins.
The first phase of the rollout involves Manx Utilities’ 8,000 prepayment customers having their ‘key’ electricity meter replaced with a smart meter. This operates on a Pay As You Go system called ‘SmarterPAYG’ which customers can use, if they wish, in conjunction with a new Smarter Living app. The app provides prepayment customers with a new, additional and convenient method of topping up their credit to cover their electricity usage and with real-time information on their energy consumption.
Prepayment customers will be given written notice that their key electricity meter is being upgraded and a Manx Utilities’ SmarterPAYG account created for them. Customers will also be provided with details on the methods they can use to top up their credit, which includes retaining the ability to top up at a select number of retail outlets.
Rob Callister MHK, Chair, Manx Utilities, said:
“The replacement of the legacy electricity meter network with smart meters is a significant project which will provide the foundation of a cleaner, more efficient energy system while delivering on the objectives laid out in the Government’s Island Plan to create an environment we can be proud of.
‘Customers also stand to benefit in a number of ways, particularly if they choose to use the Smarter Living app. Prepayment customers with a smart meter using the new Smarter Living app will be able to top up their credit quickly and easily, as well as gaining greater visibility over their electricity usage, which could help them to save on energy costs.
‘Additionally, should there be interruptions to power for any reason, a customer’s smart meter will notify Manx Utilities automatically, allowing the organisation to determine the level of resources required to restore supplies.”