More than 12 million smart meters are now on the Data Communications Company’s (DCC) national network, the company has announced.
British Gas installed the 12 millionth meter in Donnington, West Sussex at 2:16pm yesterday (26 May).
As of today there are 7.8 million second-generation (SMETS2) meters on DCC’s network and almost 4.2 million first-generation (SMETS1).
Last month 440,944,504 messages were sent across the network, which is a 175 per cent increase than the same period last year. DCC estimates 346,834 tonnes of CO2 emissions are prevented annually by the devices on its network.
DCC chief executive Angus Flett said: “The rollout has made good progress since we recorded 10 million meters on the network just in February, and we’re seeing strong growth in installations as Covid restrictions lift.
“In parallel, the migration of first-generation meters is happening remotely with over-the-air upgrades, and those meters now make up more than a third of our network.
“The 12 million milestone wouldn’t have happened without the hard work of our customers, the energy companies and network operators. As a sector, we’re working together to make Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”
Sharon Johnson, portfolio director, British Gas Energy, said: “We know our customers want greater control over their energy and for it to be simpler, sustainable and more affordable.
“Installing a smart meter is just one of the many ways we are helping to provide the technology our customers want and need to make the transition to net zero.”
In addition to the announcement from DCC, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) revealed its latest smart meter installation figures for Q1 2021.
As of 31 March this year there were 24.2 million smart and advanced meters in homes and small businesses in Great Britain, of which 19.8 million were in smart mode.
In total, 44 per cent of all meters are smart or advanced which is a five percentage point increase from the same time last year.
In Q1 this year large suppliers installed 760,900 smart meters, 213,900 less than in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, in the non-domestic sector, 25,200 smart and advanced meters were installed which is 3,100 less than Q4 2020.