The Smart Data Communications Company (DCC) has opened its national control centre in Manchester this afternoon (23 September).
Smart DCC is responsible for the network which supports the smart meter rollout. The new centre, at Brabazon House beside Manchester Airport, has 19 modular test labs which hold 2,400 smart meter testing spaces.
Specifically, the centre will test new firmware versions on the multiple models of SMETS2 devices, which can add features or improve the stability and security of the network. It will also develop new technology such as dual band communications hubs, which will connect meters in buildings with thick walls or over greater distances.
Furthermore, part of the DCC’s role is to facilitate the migration of millions of first-generation (SMETS1) meters to its network. Once the migrations are successful the operation will scale down and the facility can grow or shrink to accommodate the space needed at any given time.
Angus Flett, chief executive of Smart DCC, said: “This purpose-built centre provides us with an unprecedented, real-time view of the nationwide smart meter roll-out in incredible detail.
“It will enable the DCC to deliver its purpose of making Britain more connected so we can all lead smarter, greener lives.”
As well as testing smart meters, the centre will accommodate future technologies, such as 4G, electric vehicles, machine learning and home automation. Experimentation and testing will be done within a safe and secure “sandboxed” environment.
The DCC also claims the new facility houses one of the largest radio frequency test facilities in Europe.
Richard McCarthy, chairman of the Smart DCC, said: “Brabazon House improves the way the DCC works in many ways, accelerating the programme to digitise Britain’s analogue energy industry.
“This facility will bring improved support for customers via our technical operation centre and expansive test labs. It will be a hotbed of innovation, allowing the DCC to work with its customers in new ways, shaping the future of this important national infrastructure project.”
The smart meter rollout deadline was recently extended to 2024.
Initially suppliers were given until the end of 2020 to make all reasonable steps to offer every home a smart meter, a target which has looked increasingly impossible over the past few years.