Major smart meter milestone reached

One million second-generation (SMETS2) smart meters have been connected to the Data Communications Company’s nationwide secure network, according to figures released by the organisation.

This follows what it terms “significant progress” in the roll-out of the technology, with the number shooting-up from 1,000 eleven months ago.

Speaking of the figures, Angus Flett, DCC’s chief executive, said: “Credit to the energy companies, distribution network operators, and all the organisations in the supply chain who’ve worked really hard with us to make this a reality.

“Of course, there’s still much more to do before the end of 2020. Smart meters and the DCC network are digitising Britain’s energy system and enabling the de-carbonisation needed to ensure our children have clean air to breathe. That’s the prize we’re all working towards.”

Core service providers working with the DCC on the roll-out include Telefonica, Arqiva and CGI. When deployed at full scale, the DCC has estimated that its network will “provide greater reach than mobile, digital terrestrial TV and superfast broadband, bringing the benefits of smart metering to 30 million homes and small businesses.”