The first wave of next generation (SMETS2) smart meters have achieved assurance under an independent scheme to ensure the devices meet industry standards.
In an announcement today (22 July), consultancy firm Gemserv said the “major milestone” was achieved under the industry-wide Smart Meter Device Assurance (SMDA) scheme.
Under the scheme, devices must meet industry specifications while ensuring they are interoperable, meaning they can communicate with the Data Communications Company (DCC) and interchangeable – so the meters can communicate and work alongside each other.
It also ensures devices comply with the scheme requirements under the Smart Metering Equipment Technical Specification (SMETS).
According to Gemserv, the SMDA tests have already demonstrated additional benefits by identifying problems that had not been picked up in other testing activity, enabling manufacturers to resolve issues before the mass roll-out of their devices.
This, the company claims, could save “significant time, cost and effort all round” and provides a better smart metering experience for consumers.
Chair of the SMDA board, Martin Hanley, said: “The assurance of the first devices under the scheme gives suppliers and meter asset providers (MAPs) confidence that the devices they are installing will work as expected, and help deliver the benefits of smart meters to consumers.
Meanwhile Louise Singleton, head of the SMDA scheme at Gemserv, said: “We appreciate the close working relationship with our early mover manufacturers who have supported the testing to enable the first phase of meters to gain assurance.
“We’ve learned a great deal from the process which will help make the experience smoother and quicker for those manufacturers submitting devices for assurance in the future.”
A lack of interoperability has been a major hinderance to the smart meter rollout, with some first-generation (SMETS1) devices initially being unable to work once a customer switches supplier.
This is being addressed by the Data Communications Company, which is in the process of ensuring all SMETS1 devices communicate via its central network.
At present, more than 1.5 million SMETS2 devices have been installed ahead of the 2020 deadline.