Portsmouth Water becomes first water utility to license tech platform Kraken

Portsmouth Water has become the first water utility to adopt Kraken, Octopus Energy's innovative technology platform, in a move set to potentially digitise the water industry.

The water company will use Kraken to oversee all its 324,000 customers, which will allow it to reduce consumption, roll out smart meters, improve water efficiency and reduce leaks.

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Kraken was built by Octopus Energy, now the UK's second largest energy supplier, and it has already transformed the energy sector.

The technology is contracted to serve over 30 million energy customers globally via deals with companies like Plenitude, EDF and Origin Energy.

Deepak Ravindran, CEO of Kraken for Utilities, said: "Portsmouth Water has proven it is one of the most forward-thinking utility companies in the UK, and is committed to improving the water industry through better customer experience and products.

"By partnering with Kraken, Portsmouth Water will be able to unlock new levels of efficiency and benefit from a formula that has seen countless energy companies improve their relationships with customers and regulators."

Bob Taylor, CEO of Portsmouth Water, added: "We are thrilled to be the first water utility to license the Kraken platform, which we believe will provide our customers with a more efficient and transparent service, meanwhile ensuring our systems are safe and secure.

"Most vitally, Kraken will allow us to supercharge the smart meter rollout in the water industry and will help our customers understand their consumption and identify leaks quickly and easily."

Kraken will also enhance the speed to serve for vital services such Portsmouth Water’s social tariff for those on low incomes, and the priority services register.

This register allows Portsmouth Water to identify customers who may need extra support in an emergency, such as young families or people living with physical and mental disabilities.

The Portsmouth Water tie-up is Kraken’s second deal outside the energy space, following on from its recently announced deal with broadband provider Cuckoo.

Portsmouth Water is one of the oldest water companies in the country, having been incorporated in 1857.
It serves 324,000 homes and businesses in an area covering 868 square kilometres from the River Meon in Hampshire to the River Arun in West Sussex.

Every day it supplies around 170 million litres (37 million gallons) of water to more than 720,000 people.

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