Second lockdown did not derail smart meter rollout

Installations of second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters held up strongly during the second English lockdown, figures from the Data Communications Company (DCC) reveal.

During the autumn lockdown, which lasted from 5 November until today (2 December), the installation rate dropped by just 2.5 per cent on October which in itself was a record month.

In contrast, the first lockdown (late March to the beginning of June), saw average daily installations drop by 96.2 per cent, according to DCC’s statistics.

The average number of daily installations during the first lockdown fell to 658, down from a February average rate of 17,362 per day. The lowest figure for installs on a single day during the period was 323 as engineers were only allowed to install the devices in an emergency.

During November a total of 360,107 SMETS2 meters were installed in homes and businesses across Britain, at an average rate of 17,148 every day.

The DCC says the huge disparity in the installation rates demonstrates how successfully energy companies, distribution network operators and installation engineers have adapted their working practices since mid-summer, to enable installations to continue safely.

It further revealed the areas where SMETS2 meters are being adopted at above-average rates, with dozens now past the milestone of having one home in every four equipped with a second-generation meter.

The top twenty local authority areas in the Britain for SMETS2 take-up are:

1. Halton
2. Daventry
3. Guildford
4. Vale of White Horse
5. Wokingham
6. Hart
7. South Derbyshire
8. Eastleigh
9. Test Valley
10. Cherwell
11. Bracknell Forest
12. East Devon
13. North Kesteven
14. Basingstoke and Deane
15. North West Leicestershire
16. Tewkesbury
17. Rugby
18. Harborough
19. Rushmoor
20. East Hampshire

Angus Flett, chief executive of the DCC, said: “These figures show the smart meter rollout has progressed apace despite the second lockdown. The sustained rebound from the lows of the spring lockdown is testament to the innovation and safe working practices of our customers, and it demonstrates that all involved have earned the confidence of the public.

“The DCC’s secure network is a platform for good, and the data flowing across it is paving the way for better use of renewable energy. With our partners in the energy industry, we’re making Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”

Dan Brooke, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, said: “Every smart meter installed in Britain is a step closer to a more efficient energy system that will make better use of renewable wind and solar power. The climate crisis hasn’t gone away because of Covid, and it is heartening to see so many people do their bit to help create a greener Britain, despite the difficulties we’ve all faced this year.”

According to the latest figures more than 22 million smart and advanced meters were operating in the UK at the end of September, with 4 million operating in ‘dumb’ or traditional mode. Meanwhile, the DCC recently announced that 6 million second-generation SMETS2 devices are now on its network.