DCC exceeds efficiency commitment, delivering £36.2m in cost savings

The Data Communications Company (DCC) has delivered £36.2 million in cost efficiencies over the regulatory year to March 2026, exceeding the £30 million commitment it announced in October 2025.

The efficiency programme was launched to strengthen the organisation, sharpen accountability for spending and support the long term operation of the smart meter network. It forms part of the DCC’s wider commitment to delivering value for money for customers and energy consumers.

At a time of high energy costs and ongoing affordability challenges, the DCC is focused on managing the costs within its control and operating as efficiently as possible.

The savings reflect strong action taken across the organisation. This includes scrutiny of major areas of spend, particularly contracts with external service providers, with a strong focus on ensuring suppliers deliver value for money. This includes the new Data Service Provider (DSP) contract and targeted upgrades to legacy SMETS1 infrastructure. The programme has also included a reduction in roles across the organisation, with a significant reduction in the use of contractors and consultants, alongside the planned closure of the Nottingham office.

All of these efficiencies have been delivered while maintaining and continuing to improve the security, stability and performance of the smart meter network. DCC has continued to meet its operational responsibilities and deliver key programmes throughout.

This work supports the DCC’s transition to its next chapter as a not for profit organisation, under a new licence holder. To support this transition, DCC has recently published its business plan for the period to March 2028, setting out in advance how it expects to operate, invest and manage costs over the coming years. The plan includes further efficiencies and provides increased transparency on how value for money will continue to be delivered.

DCC continues to enhance and upgrade the services it offers in support of our customers and consumers, moving away from legacy systems, and strengthening performance through rolling out new, cost efficient technologies. This ensures the network can play its part in the ongoing digitalisation of the energy system, enabling a smarter, cleaner and fairer Britain.