Set among the rolling hills of Leamington Spa at Ashorne Hill, this year’s AMO AGM brought together Members, industry experts, and passionate speakers for two packed days of discussion, insight, and forward planning. With everything from safety and safeguarding to AI and dog bite prevention on the agenda, the event felt reflective of where the metering industry is today, and where it’s heading next.
Here’s our recap of what went down over two engaging days.
Day One:
Chair’s Welcome & Updates
Andy Hume, the Chair of the AMO, opened the AGM with a look back at the progress made in 2024/2025. Key milestones included the creation of the hugely successful AMO Safety Seminar, deeper collaboration across the industry on hydrogen, and welcoming new Members like OVO and Npower. There was clear energy in the room for continuing that momentum, working on expanding the AMO in the coming years.
Finance & Strategy
The group reviewed the annual budget and reflected on the success of the Safety Seminar. There’s early talk of a larger event for the AMO anniversary, and potentially a “super event” in collaboration with other metering trade associations. The Budget for 2025/2026 was agreed, and there was confirmation that Gemserv, Talan will administer Consultancy services for the AMO.
Committee & Constitution
Jemma Johnson formally joined the Committee, and Nick Parton was appointed Vice Chair of the GMF and ICET forums. A small constitutional change was also approved, introducing an enhanced management and review process for website documents.
Our New Charity Partner
Following a heartfelt vote, the AMO selected Leukaemia UK as its charity partner for the next two years. The decision was inspired by the personal connection of a long-serving Member and the charity’s focus on emotional support for families.
External Speakers – Day One
Dr Laura Bainbridge (University of Leeds) – Cuckooing Victimisation
Laura shared early findings from her research into “cuckooing,” a disturbing form of exploitation where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable individuals. Laura’s presentation unpacked how victims are targeted through grooming, manipulation, and coercion, and the signs field staff might spot during home visits. From suspicious foot traffic to behavioural changes, the talk provided Members with practical awareness and reporting routes to help disrupt this growing threat.
Lee McCafferty (Ofgem) – Data & AI in Energy
Lee gave a thoughtful overview of how Ofgem is aligning AI use with government guidelines and ethical frameworks. He explored how AI is already improving decision-making across the sector, such as through sentiment analysis or identifying customer needs, while also touching on challenges around trust, risk, and innovation. Members were encouraged to view AI not just as a compliance topic, and also as a powerful enabler when used responsibly.
Abbie Juffs, Megan Cetera & Gavin Straughan (Octopus & Haste) – Revenue Protection & Safeguarding
This collaborative session shared powerful real-world stories of how safeguarding and energy theft investigations intersect. Haste engineers and Octopus social workers have developed a unique partnership, prioritising customer wellbeing during difficult cases especially where debt, theft or unsafe installations are involved. The session highlighted how sensitive, joined-up support can resolve issues safely and compassionately, with disconnection used only as a last resort.
Day Two: Looking Ahead
Forum Roundups
Each forum Chair gave a concise review of the year:
- EMF focused on RTS shutdown, equipment faults, and CoMCoP implementation.
- GMF covered updates to the G11 unsafe situations document, hydrogen guidance, and gas safety insights from Cadent.
- ICET shared lessons from a site visit to Tyseley Energy Park and updates from Hydrogen UK, UKMF, and others.
- HHEMF had fewer meetings and maintained momentum in preparation for Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) in 2025.
Secretary’s Report
Martin Brailsford, the Lead Secretariat of the AMO, reflected on the successes of the AMO and shared updates on the transition of Gemserv into Talan and noted the upcoming rebranding. Martin also flagged new AMO-led bilateral meetings with the ENA as a positive step for Member engagement.
External Speakers – Day Two
Bethany Knudsen & Dom Burke (Dogs Trust) – Dog Bite Prevention
Representing the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Bethany and Dom delivered a practical session on recognising and preventing dog bite incidents, an increasingly common risk for field-based workers. With over 10,000 hospital admissions a year from dog bites, the session focused on reading body language, approaching homes safely, and reducing fear-based aggression. Their “Spot, Stop, Think” technique gave Members easy, memorable tools to keep teams safe on site.
Karen Anderson (Women’s Utilities Network) – Supporting Women in Energy
Karen introduced the mission of WUN, which now boasts over 8,600 members across the energy and utilities sector. Karen highlighted the value of diverse teams, shared insights from interactive polling, and explained how WUN’s mentoring schemes, professional development tracks, and community events are creating real change. The WUN session challenged organisations to take just one small step to support inclusion and inspire the next generation of women in the industry.
Daniel Lawson (Electrical Industries Charity) – Support When It’s Needed Most
Daniel reminded Members of the incredible work done by EIC, a charity that’s quietly supported the energy sector for over 120 years. From mental health and financial support to practical aid, EIC helps anyone in the sector, including family members, get through tough times. The EIC’s call to action was simple: spread the word, support if you can, and never forget that help is available.
Daniel White (MCS) – Quality and Confidence in Low Carbon Tech
Daniel offered a behind-the-scenes look at MCS, the quality mark for solar, battery storage, and heat pump installations. After a record year in 2024 (over 262,000 installations!), also outlining the upcoming scheme changes focused on simplifying compliance, improving consumer protection, and streamlining installer processes. MCS’s evolution reflects the industry’s broader shift toward low carbon, reliable, and customer-first solutions.
Looking to 2025 and Beyond
There was a closing discussion on key trends to watch, particularly the roll-out of Market-Wide Half-Hourly Settlement, and the potential to expand AMO’s remit to water metering. Members agreed the organisation must remain agile and responsive to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.
What’s next in the AMO Calendar?
The AMO is in to the second round of forum meetings for 2025, with EMF 25-02 taking place on 29th of April. This is followed by a Committee meeting on 13th May, and is closely followed by GMF 25-02 on 22nd May, being hosted by National Gas Metering at Tyseley Energy Park. We conclude our second round of forum meetings when ICET meets on 19th June. The next time the AMO Members will get a chance to all be together will be at our General Meeting on 14th October.
Until then, thank you to everyone who joined, spoke, and supported the AGM, and we look forward to your ongoing support and attendance at our forums. Here’s to a year of continued innovation, safety, and collaboration!
Tom Irving – AMO Secretary
