20 million second-generation meters now connected to our network

On 15 August 2024 in Chichester, the 20 millionth SMETS2 meter was connected to our network by British Gas. This brings the total number of smart meters on our network to just under 32 million first- and second-generation meters.

The smart meter network is a critical part of the nation’s energy infrastructure and an important platform for digitalising the power grid, a key step in Britain’s path to net zero.

The installation of second-generation (SMETS2) meters began in 2018; these meters allow the consumer to switch seamlessly between energy suppliers because they are connected to the DCC's nationwide secure smart meter network.

Smart meters allow households to monitor energy usage, save money, and reduce their carbon emissions. They also put an end to manual readings, allowing consumers to say goodbye to estimated bills. Smart meter users have access to the ground-breaking Demand Flexibility Service which incentivises consumers to shift their consumption from peak times, helping to balance the grid and reducing the need for additional fossil-fuel generation. 

With over half of British homes connected to the national network, smart meters are preventing the release of over one million tonnes of carbon per year. This is equivalent to taking a million cars off the road.

In turn, near-real time information on energy consumption and network performance provides energy suppliers and network operators with detailed insight which plays an important role in maintaining grid stability, as well as promoting efficiency, innovation and the integration of more renewables.

With over 15,000 smart meters being added to the network each day and over 2 billion messages sent monthly, the potential of this data to continue to support the transformation of the country’s energy system is only growing. More information and data around the current smart meter roll-out can be found on the DCC data dashboard.

Penny Brown, Chief Operating Officer at DCC, commented:

“I’m delighted that we’ve now reached another key milestone in the smart meter roll-out, with 20 million second-generation meters now connected to our network, giving a combined total of just under 32 million SMETS1 and SMETS2 on the wall."

"Thanks goes to all of our customers and suppliers, by working together we are bringing the benefits of smart meters to more homes and small businesses than ever before. Having a smart meter enables consumers to manage their energy usage and save money, whilst providing energy suppliers and DNOs with insight into network performance and consumption, which promotes innovation, flexibility and a smarter, greener energy system.”

Louise Dickinson, Head of Smart Rollout and Policy at British Gas commented:

“We are incredibly proud of every smart meter installed for our customers and are pleased to be part of this exciting SMETS2 milestone." 

"We know the smart meter network is a critical part of the nation’s energy infrastructure to deliver net zero, as well as making it easier for customers to access innovative, flexible tariffs that could save them money and we’re pleased to continue to be delivering these opportunities for more customers alongside DCC.”