Accurate metering is the foundation of financial sustainability in water utilities. Without a reliable system for measuring consumption, utilities face revenue losses, operational inefficiencies, and customer dissatisfaction. During the "Meters, Metrics, and Minds" event, Pavel Mihaylov from Sofia Water Company shared his expertise on commercial management in metering, shedding light on the key challenges and solutions in ensuring accurate readings, controlling commercial losses, and enhancing revenue collection. The Hidden Cost of Meter Under-Registration One of the critical points Mihaylov emphasized is that meter under-registration— when meters record less than the actual water consumption — is a major but often overlooked source of revenue loss. Over time, aging meters lose accuracy, leading to systematic undercharging of customers. Rado Russev, the session’s moderator and Water Utility Manager & Advisor, encapsulated this challenge, stating: "The key takeaway from Pavel's presentation is that meter under-registration and overall cost control in meter management require rigorous analysis and control." To combat this, Mihaylov highlighted the importance of systematic data analysis to detect underperforming meters, targeted meter replacements, and rigorous procurement processes to ensure high-quality metering infrastructure. Cost Control in Meter Management Beyond meter accuracy, Mihaylov detailed the financial considerations involved in metering operations. From procurement to maintenance and replacement, utilities must carefully manage their investments in metering technology. He outlined a strategic approach that includes: Data-driven decision-making: Using metering data to optimize replacement schedules, ensuring meters are replaced before their accuracy declines significantly. Real-time monitoring: Implementing dashboards with alarms to detect anomalies, allowing for immediate interventions. Strategic investments: Ensuring that meter procurement is based on long-term performance data rather than just upfront costs. By treating metering infrastructure as a critical financial asset rather than an operational afterthought, utilities can reduce unnecessary expenditures while maximizing revenue collection. Access Pavel's Presentation here! Commercial Loss Reduction: A Holistic Approach Mihaylov also emphasized that reducing non-revenue water (NRW) goes beyond addressing physical leaks — it requires tackling commercial losses as well. This includes: Identifying and addressing faulty or tampered meters. Ensuring billing reflects actual consumption by improving meter reading practices. Enhancing customer engagement to reduce disputes and improve payment compliance. In Sofia, proactive zoning and infrastructure improvements are being deployed to bring NRW down from 37% to 32% within two years, showing the impact of a structured and data-driven approach to commercial management. The Future of Metering: Precision, Technology, and Trust Looking ahead, Mihaylov stressed the role of emerging technologies in transforming metering accuracy and revenue protection. Smart meters, AI-driven data analysis, and real-time consumption tracking can all play a role in ensuring financial sustainability. However, he cautioned that technology alone is not a silver bullet—utilities must integrate technological advancements with strong management practices, rigorous cost control, and ongoing community engagement. With water utilities worldwide facing increasing financial pressures, Mihaylov’s insights underscore the need for a strategic approach to meter management— one that combines technical precision with commercial foresight to secure long-term sustainability. Stay tuned for upcoming blogs covering the perspectives of other expert speakers from the "Meters, Metrics, and Minds" event! Click here for the next Water Round Table! Image