30m smart meters connected to DCC network

A total of 30 million smart meters are now connected to the Data Communications Company’s (DCC) network.

The milestone device was connected to the network by Eon Energy at midday last Friday (1 March) at a property in Derby.

This latest milestone means there are now more than 18 million homes connected to the national secure smart meter network.

Of the total number of meters connected, almost 11.6 million are SMETS1 meters while 18.4 million are SMETS2 devices. On average, DCC is connecting around 16,000 smart meters to its network daily.

Source: DCC

According to the latest government figures, at the end of September 2023, there were 33.9 million smart and advanced meters in Great Britain in homes and small businesses. This equates to 59% of all meters.

Commenting on the latest milestone, Angus Flett, DCC chief executive, said: “Reaching 30 million connected smart meters in over 18 million homes is another landmark milestone in pursuit of our purpose to make Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.

“As the UK continues its journey of electrification to decarbonise, the DCC is already playing a vital role in the transition to a smarter, greener energy system and this will continue to be paramount as energy sector reforms place greater need to accelerate digitalisation.”

Gill Baker, director of smart field connections at Eon Infrastructure Solutions, said: “At Eon, we’re committed to delivering solutions that will help make energy more sustainable and more affordable.

“Smart meters are the foundation of a cleaner, better energy system, enabling people to transform their energy use while improving our national energy infrastructure for a new energy world, and millions of our customers are already benefiting from the clarity smart meters bring.

“We’re delighted to have fitted the 30 millionth smart meter and are equally proud to have fitted more than five million others before this one and are pleased to be part of the exciting milestone for Great Britain’s energy system.”

A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said: “The rollout is making good progress, with almost 34 million smart meters installed, allowing consumers to manage their energy use and save money, while also delivering on our commitments to net zero and energy security.

“Almost 12 million first-generation smart meters are now connected to the national smart metering network and all new meters will be automatically connected.

“We have also set energy suppliers ambitious yet realistic annual installation targets to reach 74.6% of homes by the end of 2025.”