Cumbria’s water provider is using artificial intelligence to help cut bills.

United Utiities’ is using the HARVI platform to make its operations more reliable and cost-effective.

Important data such as weather and water demand, will be assessed to improve the incidence of burst pipes and discoloured supplies.

The first water company in the UK to introduce large scale artificial intelligence into its operational systems, United Utilities has signed a framework agreement with EMAGIN, a Canadian technology firm, to roll out AI across its network.

A 12-week trial in Oldham, Greater Manchester, showed energy savings of 22 per cent using HARVI. It will be deployed in phases across the north west region, including Cumbria, by the end of 2019.

Steve Fraser, United Utilities Chief Operating Officer, said water networks were complex systems, and technology like HARVI played an important role understanding them.

“It will free up our people to be more proactive and that’s going to have a direct impact on levels of service,” he said.

“Water companies are going to have to start thinking in this way and embracing new technology if we are to meet customers’ expectations on value and reliability.

“The pilot scheme clearly demonstrated the huge potential for efficiency and energy savings which will help reduce our operational costs. This is going to be vital over the coming years as we aim to reduce customer bills by 10.5 per cent in real terms from 2020.”

EMAGIN Chief Executive Officer Thouheed Abdul Gaffoor added: “The engagement at every level across United Utilities showed their continuous drive to deploy technology that supports their customers. This is an exciting time for us, United Utilities is one of the largest and most innovative water companies in the world and gives us a huge presence to grow in the UK and Europe.”