Licence Renewal
Preparing for business transfer
DCC is transitioning from Smart DCC Ltd to DCC 2 Ltd, with business transfer taking place on 2 November 2026. It explains what Licence Renewal means for you, what is changing, and where to go for support. We will keep it updated as arrangements are confirmed.
We’re working hard to ensure a smooth transition to DCC2. DCC services will continue to operate as normal, with no changes to day-to-day service delivery. Where changes to supporting administrative arrangements, are required, we’ll provide clear information and plenty of notice ahead.
Why this is happening
Following a review of the DCC regulatory framework and a competitive tender process, Ofgem awarded the new DCC licence to DCC 2 Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of SECCo Ltd – in April 2026. From 2 November 2026, DCC 2 Ltd takes on responsibility for delivering DCC’s services under the next DCC licence. Although the legal entity name will change to DCC 2 Ltd, there will be no change to our branding, and we will continue to be known as DCC.
The new licence framework includes revised objectives, a not-for-profit operating model and an ex-ante price control framework. While DCC will operate under this new framework, the transfer is designed to ensure continuity of service, with DCC's people, services and operational capabilities transferring to DCC2. Customers will continue to access and use DCC services the same way they do today and key contacts will remain the same.
Our strategy through the transition is also unchanged, and our focus remains on customer centricity, value for money, a seamless transition, and unlocking the value in our network.
What it means for you
A new licensed entity
From 2 November 2026, your DCC services will be delivered by DCC 2 Ltd under the new DCC licence (Smart Meter Communication Licence 2).
Your services continue as normal
There is no change to the way you access DCC services or use them day to day.
New billing and payment arrangements
DCC 2 Ltd will become the billing entity, resulting in new invoice and payment details. We'll share these with you, along with information on any other administrative changes relevant to you, before go-live. Information will be provided through direct communications, supplemented by webinars and updates to industry governance groups ahead of the transfer.
Key date and what happens next
Go-live – business transfer to DCC 2 Ltd: 2 November 2026. Ahead of go-live we will communicate directly with customers about the billing and payment changes and anything you need to do. This page and the FAQs below will be updated as arrangements are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to your top questions.
About the transition
What is changing?
As part of Licence Renewal, DCC’s services are transferring to a new licensed entity (“DCC2”). This takes effect at business transfer on 2 November 2026. You will continue to receive the same DCC services as you do today, with no change to the services themselves. The primary changes impacting customers are administrative and relate to who bills you and how payments are made.
Why is this happening?
Ofgem undertook a review of the DCC regulatory framework and a competitive tender process to appoint a licensee to deliver DCC’s business under the next DCC licence (the DCC2 licence). As a result, DCC’s services are transferring to the newly licensed entity on 2 November. Following the transfer, DCC services will continue to be delivered under the new DCC2 licence framework, which includes revised objectives, a not-for-profit operating model and an ex-ante price control framework.
When does it take effect?
The transfer takes effect on 2 November 2026 (“go-live”). We are engaging with customers ahead of this date so you have sufficient notice of the changes.
Your service and continuity
Will the DCC services I receive change?
No. This is primarily a change to the billing entity and associated arrangements. The DCC services you rely on day to day continue as normal through the transition.
Does this affect all customers?
It affects customers who are billed by DCC and relates to invoicing and payment arrangements. We are contacting affected customers directly and will confirm the specific changes and any actions relevant to you.
Do I need to do anything to keep my service running?
No action is needed to maintain your service. The actions we’re asking customers to take relate to billing, payment and contact details, and are set out below.
Billing and payments
Who will bill me after 2 November 2026?
From go-live, billing will come from the new licensed entity. We will provide the new billing details and payment instructions before the transfer.
Will my charges change as a result of the transfer?
The transfer does not change what you are charged for. Where DCC2 issues an invoice covering a period before go-live, the charges are calculated using the charging statement already in force for that period, so the amounts are unaffected by the change of billing entity. From go-live, a DCC2 charging statement will apply and will be republished at that point.
Will the timing of my October invoice change?
We are finalising the billing arrangements for the transition period. If any change to your invoice timing is needed around go-live, we will confirm this with you clearly and in good time.
Will my payment due date for invoices change?
No, customers will continue to have the same minimum payment period provided under SEC Section J1.5. Although SEC Modification (MP325 “SMCL2 Code Changes”) introduces flexibility for temporary billing arrangements during the transfer to DCC2, DCC cannot bring invoice due dates forward. The transfer will not place customers at risk of default or breach of their SEC obligations due to changes in invoice timing.
What are the new payment details, and when should I use them?
We will issue updated payment instructions ahead of go-live. Please do not change any existing payment or standing arrangements until we confirm the new details.
Will I be asked to pay earlier than usual?
No. There is no expectation for customers to pay early. As we move between billing systems around the transfer, you may receive an invoice earlier than usual. If that happens, your payment date is unchanged — you'll continue to pay at the usual time, in line with your existing payment terms.
Credit cover and deposits
What happens to my credit cover, cash deposit or letter of credit?
Existing cash deposits and letters of credit will transfer to the new entity. We will confirm whether any action is needed from you and, if so, what and by when.
The transfer arrangements ensure that existing credit cover remains recognised from the transfer date, so customers will not be placed in default of their Credit Cover obligations solely as a result of the transfer from DCC1 to DCC2. This protection is also supported through the approved SEC Modification, which includes provisions to ensure customers are not disadvantaged by the transfer of the Credit Cover arrangements.
Support and contacts
Who do I contact with billing or finance queries?
A dedicated billing support mailbox will be available from go-live for billing and payment queries LicenceRenewalQueries@smartdcc.co.uk. In the meantime, please continue to use your existing contact route.
You’ve asked us to confirm our billing and finance contacts – why?
We’re validating our billing contact details and asking customers to nominate a finance contact, so that communications about the transfer reach the right people. If you’ve received this request, please respond by the date given so we can keep our records accurate ahead of go-live.
Is there a self-service portal for billing?
A customer self-service capability is planned for 2027. It is not part of the 2 November 2026 transfer; billing at go-live will operate through the arrangements described in these FAQs.
Contact Us
Have a question about Licence Renewal or the business transfer? Email us and a member of the team will get back to you.
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