Following a successful pilot programme involving 3,000 business customers in Inverness and Orkney, Scottish Water is now beginning its accelerated nationwide smart meter roll-out for non-household customers.
The roll-out is a major step towards protecting our water resources and supporting the journey to net zero.
Scotland’s smart meter roll-out explained
Scottish Water will begin its smart meter roll-out by prioritising areas facing the greatest pressure on water resources, helping to support efforts to reduce demand on water resources and improve long term water resilience.*
Smart meters will provide more frequent and detailed water use information than traditional meters, giving businesses greater visibility of how, when and where water is being used, and potentially wasted. By creating a clearer picture of consumption, smart metering is expected to play an important role in helping organisations identify waste, detect leaks sooner and make more informed decisions about their water use.
This roll-out marks a significant step forward in Scotland's approach to water management, creating opportunities for businesses to understand their consumption better and support wider efforts to protect one of the country's most valuable natural resources.
Turning data into action
One of the biggest advantages of smart water meters is the access they give businesses to more frequent and detailed consumption data. Instead of relying on periodic meter readings, businesses can gain a clearer understanding of how much water they are using and identify trends that may otherwise go unnoticed. This improved visibility can help organisations make more informed decisions about how they manage water across their sites.
For Scotland as a whole, the increased use of smart metering will help build a more accurate picture of water demand across the non-household sector. As Scotland works towards its net zero ambitions**, smart meters can help businesses reduce waste, use water more efficiently and support their sustainability goals.
Getting ready for your smart meter
As Scotland’s smart meter roll-out begins, there are steps businesses can take now to get ready.
Understanding your current water use, identifying areas where water may be wasted and reviewing existing water efficiency measures is a great place to start and will help establish a baseline before your smart meter arrives. If you’d like a deeper understanding of where savings and efficiencies could be unlocked, our Sustainability Services team can help. Visit the Sustainability Services page on our website to find out more about auditing your water use and strengthening your resilience.
Registering for My Business Stream will ensure you’re set up and ready to go when your smart meter becomes enabled.
By registering for My Business Stream, you’ll be able to:
- access your account 24/7
- submit meter readings
- make payments
- view your balance and manage your details, and
- track your smart meter data when it becomes available.
Find out more and register for My Business Stream.
You can read more about what happens after your smart meter is installed in our newsletter or find out more about smart meters on our webpage.
Sources
* https://www.scottishwater.co.uk/About-Us/News-and-Views/2025/05/230525-Long-Term-Strategy