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Octopus installs GB’s 7 millionth SMETS2 smart meter

More than 7 million second-generation SMETS2 smart meters have now been installed in Great Britain, figures from the Data Communications Company (DCC) show.

The milestone device, an electricity meter, was installed by Octopus Energy in Llanllawddog, Carmarthenshire, Wales at 11:09am yesterday (18 March).

According to the latest statistics on the DCC’s website almost 11 million meters in total have been connected to its secure network.

Of these, more than 3.8 million first-generation SMETS1 meters have been migrated onto the system, meaning they are interoperable.

Angus Flett, DCC chief executive, said: “Suppliers and installers across Britain have gone above and beyond to ensure the rollout continues in a safe and thoughtful way – allowing millions of smart meters to be installed while respecting Covid restrictions.

“Together with the nearly 4 million first-generation meters we have migrated, our network now totals well over 10 million meters.

“As we all emerge from this trying time, many people are thinking about how they can support our collective journey to net zero, and getting a smart meter is a simple way to make a real difference.

“Our network is digitising Britain’s energy grid, so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”

John Szymik, chief executive of Octopus Energy Services, said: “We’re so proud that one of our incredible engineers installed the 7 millionth SMETS2 smart meter in the UK, which is an amazing milestone on our path to a green energy system.

“Smart meters are the backbone of the flexible grid of the future and unlock smart tariffs which allow customers to benefit from times when energy is cheaper and cleaner.”

Earlier this month the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published the latest smart meter installation statistics which reported 3.2 million smart and advanced meters were installed by suppliers during 2020.

As of 31 December 2020, there were 23.6 million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses in Great Britain, of which 19.1 million were smart in smart mode or advanced meters.