GLIL & Arcus Grab the Smart Meter Asset Unicorn
In a bold move to power up the UK’s energy infrastructure, GLIL Infrastructure (GLIL) and Arcus Infrastructure Partners (Arcus) have swooped up Smart Meter Assets 1 Ltd (SMA) from BUUK Infrastructure.
Why This Hype Matters
- SMA is the fifth biggest player behind the UK’s smart meter rollout for both electricity and gas.
- They’ve already installed about 1.6 million meters and are on track to hit 2 million soon.
- With a 90% packed contract slate, the company has already pulled in steady cashflows.
- OVO Energy and Utility Warehouse are their headline clients, but SMA’s footprint spreads across the majority of UK suppliers.
A Growing Web of Customers
As SMA expands, more suppliers will lock in contracts, diversifying revenue streams and cementing strong ties with its key partners. The result? A smoother, more resilient smart‑meter ecosystem.
What the Partners Are Saying
Katya Romashkan, GLIL’s Portfolio Manager (now on SMA’s board):
“Smart meters are the new backbone of our nation’s future. We’re thrilled to team with an entity like SMA, which shares our long‑term, sustainable outlook. Together, we’ll deliver inflation‑linked returns that keep members smiling.”
Stefano Brugnolo, Arcus’s SMA acquisition lead:
“After watching the EU smart‑meter scene since 2015, getting SMA feels like a perfect fit. It’s one of the UK’s largest in the market and offers a killer synergy with our Horizon strategy. We’re eager to drive forward the energy landscape with SMA and our partners.”
GLIL: The Infrastructure Powerhouse
GLIL isn’t new to high‑stakes infrastructure. This latest purchase marks their tenth investment, powered by a whopping £2.5 bn fund backed by Local Pensions Partnership and Northern LGPS.
- Aqueduct: Equity in Anglian Water.
- Wind: Stakes in Clyde Windfarm.
- Ports: Holding in Forth Ports.
- Rail: 2 train fleets with Rock Rail plus the recent 30% share in Agility Trains East (ATE)—65 brand‑new intercity engines for the East Coast Mainline.
- Energy: Biogas and anaerobic digestion projects.
- Public: Becoming an infrastructure partner for the government‑appointed Nest workplace pension.
Bottom Line
With GLIL’s robust backing and Arcus’s sector expertise, SMA is set to fuel a tighter, more efficient smart‑meter network across the UK. As the landscape evolves, this partnership is poised to become a cornerstone of the energy transition, delivering reliable returns while driving sustainability. Keep an eye on this space—smart meters are about to get pretty smart indeed.
