20 February 2019 Metering, Smart Meter Rollout

400,000 second generation smart meters now installed, confirms DCC

kettle beside smart meter

More than 400,000 second generation (SMETS2) smart meter devices have been installed and are now operational, the Data Communications Company (DCC) has announced.

The new figures represent a latest milestone in the installations of SMETS2 meters since hitting a quarter of a million at the beginning of 2019.

Commenting on the news, a spokesperson for the DCC said: “Our network is up and running and we’re ready to support our customers, the energy suppliers, as they scale-up the installation of second generation smart meters across the country.”

Installations of the SMETS2 devices have seen significant progress in recent weeks following the passing of the end-date for SMETS1 on 5 December 2018, since which time any new installations of first-generation meters no longer count towards energy suppliers’ rollout obligations.

Writing in Utility Week in February, Angus Flett, chief executive of Smart DCC, said: “The energy industry in Great Britain is undergoing a transformation, and smart metering is at its heart. Smart meters are a vital component in the realisation of a data-driven energy grid, which will provide Britain with an intelligent and sustainably managed power supply.

“Not only will consumers be empowered to monitor and manage their energy use, but at a macro level distribution network operators will be able to better match supply with demand, leading to greater stability and more efficient use of gas and electricity.”

In December, SMS Plc built a second metering test lab for the DCC following a successful tender. The new test lab, which will be used by energy suppliers to trial configuration of SMETS1 meters with SMETS2 meters, follows the success of an initial lab which has seen SMS support the DCC with system integration testing.

Before Christmas the DCC demonstrated that, alongside SMETS2 meters, older SMETS1 devices will also work on its central, secure data network, enabling all first-generation meters that have temporarily lost smart functionality on switching supplier to have full capabilities restored by the end of 2020.