The utilities industry has seen significant changes over the last few years, with technological advancements taking centre stage. Automation, in particular, has become a crucial part of many mainstream energy retailers’ operations, providing efficient solutions to problems that had previously been insurmountable. One area where automation has proven to be particularly useful is in the meter reading collection process. In this article, we will discuss how meter reading automation can assist both clients and companies alike, leading to an improved customer experience and higher levels of operational efficiency.

Meter Reading Automation: Explained

In simple terms, meter reading automation is a process whereby a computer program reads and records data from energy meters. This process eliminates the need for manual meter reading, which can often be time-consuming and prone to errors. The automated system typically consists of hardware and software, which work together to collect data from meters and upload it to a central system. The hardware can be installed either at the customer’s premises or at the energy retailer’s office.

Advantages for Companies

Increased Efficiency

Automation of the meter reading process can save time and reduce errors associated with manual meter reads. For example, retailers won’t be forced to send out representatives from expensive third-party companies to read meters, and there will be less demand on call centres as customers won’t have to ring them up. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity for energy retailers, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively and focus on delivering better service to customers.

Optimised Accuracy

Automated meter readings can improve the accuracy of billing, reducing the risk of under or overbilling customers, which can help to build customer trust and loyalty, while also minimising disputes and complaints. It also allows retailers to forecast and buy energy more effectively to achieve accurate billing

Cost Savings

By automating meter reading, energy retailers can reduce the costs associated with manual meter reading, such as travel and labour costs. Energy retailers are then able to provide more competitive pricing to customers.

Real-Time Data

Automated meter readings provide real-time data on energy usage, enabling energy retailers to better understand customer behaviour and usage patterns. This can in turn inform pricing and product development decisions, as well as help to identify and address issues such as energy waste and theft.

Improved Customer Experience

Energy retailers who automate their operations can provide customers with more frequent and detailed information on their energy usage, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their energy consumption. This can help to promote more sustainable behaviour, as well as provide a better customer experience overall.

Advantages for Customers

Increased Accuracy

By using automated meter readings instead of manual ones, the risk of human error is eliminated. Energy retailers have found a solution to this problem through the intelligent application of failsafe technology, specifically Optical Character Recognition (OCR) from mobile cameras. The result is more accurate billing, which helps prevent disputes between customers and utility companies.

Time Savings

Collecting meter readings can be arduous and time-consuming when performed manually. On the other hand, automating the process can be performed quickly and without the need for a meter reader to visit the customer’s property, which can save customers time and reduce the inconvenience of having to schedule appointments for meter readings.

Greater Transparency

Automation can provide customers with more detailed information about their energy usage, including real-time data that can help them identify ways to conserve energy and reduce their bills. This is a great way to improve relations between client and utility provider as there is a greater sense of trust and security.

Improved Billing

Automated meter readings can help to ensure that customers are billed based on their actual energy usage, rather than estimated readings. This can lead to more accurate bills and prevent customers from being overcharged.

Convenience

When meter reads are collected through an automated process, this action can be performed remotely, without the need for a meter reader to access a customer’s property. In fact, most actions on an automated model are designed to be performed with a few simple clicks on a mobile device; customers needn’t even call a customer service centre (another money-saving benefit) or log into a web portal. The convenience of this system is particularly beneficial for customers who are not home during the day or who have limited mobility.

Why ChatBuilder?

Utility companies are constantly pushing their customers to provide consistent and accurate meter readings. As many energy retailers will be aware, this can often be a difficult and expensive task, and many will resort to outsourcing to third party suppliers to manually visit properties.

At ChatBuilder, we understand just how much the pitfalls of the meter reading collection process can stagnate the efficiency of your operations. To this end, we have designed a utility module that has automated this process to the point that via a simple Chatbot, the end customer is guided through a meter read directly from their mobile.

Our innovative technology is swift, user-friendly and has made energy retailers substantial savings. You can even track the customer conversion and automate all follow-ups. We have successfully created a new customer journey that delivers savings for both the end consumer and the utility provider. Streamlining your enterprise has never been more simple.

If you’d like to learn more about how ChatBuilder can benefit your business and customer base, why not request a free demo? Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss what you’re looking to gain from metre reading automation services.