Anglian Water is stepping into the future with a bold move, leveraging artificial intelligence to forecast and streamline the delivery of significant water infrastructure projects during the upcoming AMP8 investment window. This period, spanning from 2025 to 2030, marks a pivotal moment for the UK water sector, especially in light of Ofwat’s unprecedented £88 billion allocation to water companies. This hefty investment more than triples the funding from the previous asset management period, but it comes with a hefty caveat: efficiency. Ofwat has made it clear that water companies must ensure these funds are utilized wisely, avoiding the pitfalls of waste that have plagued past projects.
To tackle this challenge head-on, Anglian Water has partnered with nPlan, a company renowned for its innovative use of predictive AI. This collaboration is not just a shot in the dark; it’s a calculated strategy aimed at maximizing the value delivered to taxpayers and customers alike. nPlan’s software taps into the world’s largest library of project plans, boasting over 750,000 entries, to accurately forecast construction timelines, identify potential delays, and assess project deliverability across portfolios. This is a game-changer for Anglian Water, allowing them to not only pinpoint problem projects but also mitigate systemic risks before they escalate.
The initial engagement between Anglian Water and nPlan has already proven fruitful. During the AMP7 portfolio, nPlan’s technology was instrumental in the delivery of over 200 projects, enhancing the effectiveness of Portfolio Boards and enabling precise assessments of contractor schedules. This kind of oversight is invaluable, especially as Anglian Water gears up to manage a staggering 1,400 projects during AMP8. Euan Black, Head of Delivery Portfolio Management at Anglian Water, emphasizes the importance of scaling delivery capabilities to match the increased investment and ambition. “nPlan is a critical part of our strategy to ensure predictable delivery and provide effective oversight across our entire investment programme,” he states, underscoring the transformative potential of data-driven decision-making.
This partnership is not just about efficiency; it’s also about transparency and accountability. With real-time reporting available to over 300 stakeholders, Anglian Water can keep everyone in the loop, ensuring that the public is informed and engaged throughout the process. Reduced disruptions from construction activities, such as road closures, will also enhance the customer experience, allowing Anglian Water to deliver services more smoothly and efficiently.
Dev Amratia, CEO of nPlan, adds another layer to this narrative, asserting that this partnership positions Anglian Water to become a “best-in-class performer.” By harnessing insights from the global water industry and applying lessons learned from past projects, Anglian Water can significantly reduce risks and improve efficiency. This collaboration not only validates nPlan’s portfolio management product but also signals a broader trend in the water sector: the increasing reliance on technology and data analytics to drive performance and customer satisfaction.
As Anglian Water embarks on this ambitious journey, it sets a precedent for other water companies to follow. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on to deliver results that meet both regulatory expectations and public demand. With AI in their corner, Anglian Water is not just aiming to keep pace; they’re looking to lead the charge into a new era of water management.
