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A total of 10 million smart meters have now been connected to Britain’s national secure network, the Data Communications Company (DCC) has announced.
The milestone was reached at 10:47am this morning (1 February) in Doddington, Cambridgeshire, when Eon Energy installed a smart electricity meter.
According to the latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BIES) at the end of Q3 2020 there were more than 22 million smart and advanced meters operating in the UK, with 4 million operating in ‘dumb’ or traditional mode.
DCC runs the national network connecting the devices and is currently in the process of migrating first-generation SMETS1 devices so they can function in the same way as their second-generation SMETS2 counterparts.
Speaking to Utility Week last summer Angus Flett, chief executive of DCC, said it was “full steam ahead” for the migration of the first-generation meters despite Covid-19.
Since the start of the pandemic last year more than 5.5 million smart meters have been connected to the network. DCC said much of the recent accelerated growth is attributed to the mass migration of 3 million SMETS1 meters.
The number of second-generation meters is still growing steadily, however at slightly below the pre-pandemic installation rate.
Following this latest announcement, Flett said: “This milestone shows that the whole sector has progressed hugely over the last year in digitising Britain’s energy system. Since the start of 2020, our secure network has tripled in size – with 10 million smart meters connected, the rollout is now reaching critical mass.
“DCC’s customers, the energy companies and network operators, have worked hard with us to build this momentum, despite the massive challenge of Covid, adapting to ensure safe ways of working. These meters inform and enable a responsive, smart energy grid, allowing Britain to make the best possible use of renewable energy like wind and solar power.”
Eon UK chief executive Michael Lewis said: “This is an impressive milestone for the whole country and we’re proud to be playing a major role in delivering this vital upgrade for energy customers around Britain. We’re now lending our experience and expertise to other suppliers so even more customers can benefit.”
The DCC added that new research shows the 10 million smart meters alone are preventing the release of up to 275,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions every year – the same emissions as 95,000 households, or a city roughly the size of Chester.
Call for evidence
Elsewhere, Ofgem has today published a call for evidence as part of its review into DCC’s current regulatory framework to ensure it remains fit for purpose to underpin the company’s role over the period 2025-2040.
The regulator said the call for evidence is an early opportunity for DCC customers and other interested parties to shape the trajectory of the review.
Ofgem anticipates holding a workshop before consulting on its preliminary findings and minded-to position on the scope and principles of the review in autumn this year.
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