(Alliance News) - Calisen PLC on Monday said it is planning to start meter reading and non-essential smart meter installations again in July as the UK lockdown eases.
The Manchester-headquartered smart energy meter firm announced the temporary suspension of all non-essential smart meter installations and field services back on March 25.
However, as some of its energy retail customers have resumed smart meter installations, Calisen has decided to do the same and resume non-essential smart meter installations as well, along with other non-essential field services.
Calisen noted that it had still been responding to emergency call-outs during the lockdown with engineers using personal protective equipment. The use of PPE will continue for non-essential work.
The company's return to normal activity is likely to be "gradual" over the course of "several months", and so Calisen feels it is too soon to reinstate 2020 smart meter installation guidance.
Nonetheless, it said that it is not expected the pandemic's impact to be material to its longer-term metering portfolio plans.
Calisen expects to post its interim results on August 4.
Chief Executive Bert Pijls said: "This is a very welcome start to the process of resuming normal activity and reinvigorating growth in the business. We will proceed carefully as field activity begins again in order to continue to safeguard the well-being of staff, customers and consumers.
"Since we suspended installations in March, Calisen's installed meter portfolio has continued to generate steady and resilient cash flows underpinned by our strong balance sheet. I am confident that the combination of our solid business model and financial strength will see the group deliver growth as expected in the longer term."
Shares in Calisen were down 1.3% at 179.30 pence in London on Monday morning.
By Anna Farley; annafarley@alliancenews.com
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