Colin Sempill confirmed as the Interim Chair of DCC2 Ltd Board

Colin will lead the Board of DCC2 Ltd as interim Chair as the organisation prepares to assume responsibility for overseeing the Data Communications Company (DCC) and the secure digital infrastructure underpinning Britain’s smart metering system.

The appointment is an important step in establishing DCC2 as a not-for-profit entity, operating under the new independent governance regime and preparing for the planned transfer of responsibilities in November 2026.

Colin brings extensive leadership experience across the energy, telecommunications and critical national infrastructure sectors. He previously served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of DCC, giving him direct experience of the organisation, its customers and the essential services it provides to Britain’s energy system. Before joining DCC, Colin was Chief Executive Officer of Neos Networks and Managing Director of SSE Enterprise Telecoms.

Colin joined SECCo’s DCC2 Programme in August 2025 as Programme Director and has played a central role in developing the organisation’s successful licence application and preparations for business handover. He also chaired the DCC2 Board Advisory Forum, which was established to bring industry perspectives into the programme and advise on matters including the future operating model, transition planning, and business handover.

In his new role, Colin will lead the DCC2 Board for an interim period of 12 months responsible for setting the organisation’s strategic direction, establishing effective and independent governance, and ensuring that the transition is managed efficiently and transparently.

Angela Love, SECCo Board & SEC Panel Chair, said:

"We are delighted to confirm Colin as the Interim Chair of the DCC2 Ltd Board. His extensive experience of energy, telecommunications and critical national infrastructure, together with his detailed knowledge of Smart DCC and the DCC2 Programme, makes him exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation through this important period.

SEC stands ready to support DCC2 and Smart DCC in ensuring an efficient and well-managed transition that keeps the smart metering system delivering for Great Britain and DCC’s customers.”

Colin Sempill, Chair of DCC2 Ltd, said:

“I am honoured to have been appointed the Interim Chair of the DCC2 Ltd Board at such an important and pivotal time for Great Britain’s smart metering arrangements.

“The smart metering network operated by the DCC is a critical part of our energy infrastructure and is already playing a crucial role in our nation’s transition to a cleaner, fairer energy system. DCC2 has a clear objective of providing strong oversight, delivery of the reforms set out in the new licence and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on customers and consumers. I look forward to working with DCC, Ofgem, and the whole industry to realise these aims.”

Chris Lovatt, Chief Executive Officer for Smart DCC said:

“I am delighted to continue working closely with Colin in his new role as Interim Chair of DCC2. The DCC Senior Leadership team and I are focused on a seamless transition to our new licence arrangements in November, including the shift to a not for profit and industry owned construct, while continuing to deliver customer centric, value for money services for consumers across Great Britain.”

Notes:

Ofgem formally awarded the next Smart Meter Communication Licence to DCC2 Ltd in May 2026, following an open competitive tender process. Under the new licence framework, DCC2 will oversee a transition to majority-independent governance, a new ex-ante cost-control process, and continue to deliver on Smart DCC’s long-term business strategy and technology roadmap.

Planning for the handover is already under way, with DCC2 and Smart DCC developing joint transition plans and ways of working. For the transition period and beyond, Smart DCC and DCC2 will be focused on service continuity, operational resilience, and on ensuring that Britain’s smart metering network continues to deliver an efficient, effective, and secure service for customers and consumers.