More than 3 million second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters have been installed, the Data Communications Company (DCC) has announced today (2 December).
The 3 millionth device was installed by Centrica-owned British Gas in Mickleover, Derby on Friday (29 November).
DCC says the growth in connected devices has driven up the data being transferred across its network, with more than half-a-billion encrypted messages to and from smart meters being carried this year.
Angus Flett, chief executive of DCC, said: “At 3 million second-generation meters our nationwide network continues to grow at pace, tripling in size in little more than six months.
“We’ve also seen traffic volume increase, with over half-a-billion messages securely travelling over the network so far this year. That proves the robustness of our network, and its expanding potential.”
Official figures released last week show that 3.1 million smart meters continue to operate in “dumb” mode. In total, 15.6 million smart meters were in operation as of 30 September – a 4 per cent increase on the previous quarter.
Despite the government’s pledge to move the rollout deadline to 2024, only 28 per cent of domestic meters are now operating in smart mode meaning there is still a huge challenge ahead for the energy sector before the target can be reached.
One industry observer has estimated that if installations continue at the current rate, the smart meter rollout will not be complete until 2028.
Utility’s Week’s Election Manifesto calls on the next government to make smart meter uptake mandatory and to vocally support the rollout.