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Overview
Overview
Stage 2 moves from investigation to definition — setting the direction for how water metering will be delivered, governed, and communicated. This stage develops the strategic, technical, and policy foundations needed to move from concept to implementation. The key components of this stage are outlined below.
Together, these activities form the strategic framework for implementation: ensuring that water metering is technically sound, publicly supported, and aligned with long-term water management and affordability objectives.
Build understanding and commitment from governance and leadership through clear evidence of both costs and benefits, as well as alignment with community outcomes. Confirm funding sources and financial pathways to enable programme initiation.
Building on the Strategic Case, a Full Business Case confirms the preferred option, demonstrates value for money, and sets out how the investment will be funded, delivered, and managed.
Design early, transparent communication that explains the reasons for metering and its benefits for customers, their water services and the environment. Effective engagement reduces resistance, builds trust, and lays the groundwork for smooth implementation.
Develop the governance framework to manage metering consistently and fairly. Define ownership, access, data management, and customer protections to ensure transparency and compliance.
Translate metering data into equitable and sustainable charging. A well-designed tariff balances revenue needs with affordability, encourages efficient use, and supports long-term financial resilience.
Together, these activities form the strategic framework for implementation: ensuring that water metering is technically sound, publicly supported, and aligned with long-term water management and affordability objectives.
Stage 2 Key Takeaways
Stage 2 Key Takeaways
Stage 2 moves from “can we do this?” to “this is how we’ll do it” — locking in direction, delivery approach, and the political mandate to proceed.
The full business case confirms the preferred solution — testing options, costs, benefits, and risks so the chosen pathway is robust, defensible, and fundable.
The procurement strategy sets the commercial architecture — defining delivery models, risk allocation, supplier engagement, and how the market will be brought on board.
Policy and tariff development build the rulebook — ensuring metering, billing, customer service, and data governance are fair, consistent, and ready for rollout. This is also essential preparation for answering tricky questions raised through customer engagement.
Customer engagement planning shapes the social licence — mapping the customer journey and crafting clear, honest messaging so the community understands what’s happening and why.
Where to next?
Where to next?
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