We’re on the MAP

Smart meters play a critical role in modernising energy infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and helping consumers manage their energy usage more effectively.  This importance is underscored by the mandate Ofgem has put in place for both energy suppliers and businesses to install them.  

We see smart meters as crucial for several reasons.  For customers, smart meters eliminate the need to provide manual meter readings which is obviously more convenient. But, more importantly, smart meters open the door to innovative tariffs and energy management propositions, allowing customers to choose when and how they use their energy and take advantage of lower costs associated with using power off-peak. From an environmental perspective, smart meters are a gateway to a smarter, greener energy system. They support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions. By providing real-time data on energy consumption, smart meters empower consumers to make informed decisions about their energy use, contributing to a more sustainable future.  

Centrica Smart Meter Assets (CSMA) was created in 2023 to help Centrica’s Net Zero team and third-party customers on their journey to a greener tomorrow.   

Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) play a vital role in the energy supply chain by offering finance and asset management solutions that enable suppliers to fund the smart meter rollout. These providers are integral to the successful deployment of smart meters, as they offer the necessary financial backing and expertise to manage the assets effectively.   

Bringing the MAP function within the organisation represents a strategic move for Centrica. And, as experts in smart metering, we can harness Centrica’s collective expertise to unlock new opportunities outside of the Centrica brands through external partnerships. By using our own financial resources, Centrica can streamline the funding process, reduce reliance on external financing, and enhance the ability to manage the smart meter deployment more effectively.  

This approach aligns with Centrica's broader strategic goals of enhancing customer service and promoting sustainability. By directly managing the smart meter rollout, Centrica can ensure that the installation process is smooth and efficient, providing customers with accurate billing and real-time energy usage data. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also supports energy efficiency initiatives and the transition to a more sustainable energy system.  

Of the one million smart meter Centrica fitted in 2024, over half were owned by us and installed with our expertise. As a new entrant to this industry, CSMA can be agile and flexible towards business.

Over the course of the next two to three years, we’re set to become one of the UK’s largest MAPs, shaking up the market and offering our service to suppliers. Our aim is to make smart metering seamless for our customers. We're likely to invest around £900m by 2028, because we believe this approach could be used as a way to fund customers decarbonising their homes.