Fulcrum

Fulcrum, the leading independent net-zero focused multi-utility infrastructure and services provider, has welcomed one of the smart metering industry’s most experienced specialists, Gary Biggs, as its Contracts Operations Manager UK.

Joining the Sheffield-based company after more than 33 years’ service at SSE, Gary will lead the Meter Exchange, Meter Operator (MOP) and Meter Asset Manager (MAM) activities for Fulcrum’s growing portfolio of smart metering contracts.

Recognised as one of the pioneers of the roll out of smart meters, Gary has been involved in metering for the majority of his career and has overseen the installation of more than 1.5 million smart meters across the UK.

Gary moved into the emerging smart metering sector in 2012, which included introducing the first dual fuel skilled team into SSE.

He progressed to National Smart Meter Operations Manager leading the team to install the first 185,000 SSE smart meters across England, Scotland and Wales.

Gary has also been influential in the development of smart metering installation and maintenance skills in the UK. He established a National Smart Metering Academy, producing an industry-standard mentor selection and training process.

This led to the creation of 240 mentors who supported the training of engineers out in the field alongside the skills development provided at the academy.

At Fulcrum, Gary will work closely with new market entrants and established energy suppliers to help develop the niche position the company has gained in the sector by offering highly collaborative and supportive customer-focused services. This approach has helped Fulcrum establish a portfolio of energy supplier contracts after only two years in the market.

These projects include a multi-million, five-year agreement with E, to manage its 320,000 UK meter points and exchange its traditional meter portfolio to smart. Other agreements include Ecotricity, Square 1 Energy, GoTo Energy, Rebel Energy, Homeshift and commercial energy supplier Bryt Energy.

Gary Biggs said: “I am keen to share my skills and experience to build upon the excellent progress Fulcrum has made in smart metering in a relatively short space of time. We have a talented team made up of knowledgeable, customer-focused people whose close partnerships with energy suppliers ensures effective project delivery.

“I have been impressed with the ambition, honesty and transparency that exists in Fulcrum. Its structure encourages collaboration across the team, which is evident in the levels of service and efficiencies and ensures the business can remain agile and responsive to changing markets and customer requirements.”

Tim Houtby, Director of Smart Metering at Fulcrum, said: “Since we launched our smart meter operations in 2019 it has become a key element of the business and our contribution to supporting a low carbon future for the UK. Gary’s expertise and market knowledge will be of real benefit to our growing portfolio of energy supplier customers as we deliver on more projects and increase our position in the market.”

ENDS

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For further information contact Jamie Collis 01325 363436

Photo caption: Gary Biggs, Contracts Operations Manager UK

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Editors’ Notes:

Fulcrum is a multi-utility infrastructure and services provider. It is committed to supporting the UK’s journey to net-zero with low and zero carbon energy infrastructure solutions, including Britain’s EV charging network.

The Group operates nationally with its head office in Sheffield, UK focused on the design, build, ownership and maintenance of energy connections and their related utility infrastructure. The Group’s offering also extends to smart meter ownership and exchange programmes, and the selective ownership and maintenance of utility networks and infrastructure.

https://investors.fulcrum.co.uk/