DCC launches new digital onboarding tool to simplify access to the smart meter network

Innovative service providers, technology companies and emerging energy market participants will now be able to access Britain's smart metering infrastructure through a more streamlined onboarding experience. The Digital Onboarding Tool digitalises the User Entry Process (UEP), providing a single, guided journey that helps applicants complete onboarding activities in the right order and at the right time, while improving visibility throughout the process.

Introduced in response to stakeholder feedback and supported by SECCo, the platform forms part of ongoing efforts to improve access to DCC services as demand for connectivity to the smart metering network continues to grow.

Applicants are guided through each stage of the process via a step-by-step workflow that brings together the forms, information and actions required to join the network. Behind the scenes, an orchestration layer routes information to the appropriate DCC teams and ensures activities are completed in the correct sequence, helping to reduce administration, minimise rework and improve efficiency.

The initial release focuses on DCC Other Users, which currently make up the majority of DCC's onboarding pipeline. This group includes many innovators and smaller market entrants, where onboarding challenges can be particularly acute due to limited resources and specialist smart metering expertise.

For organisations applying to become a DCC Other User, the benefits are expected to include:

• Reduced onboarding time and complexity.
• Greater transparency throughout the onboarding journey.
• Improved user experience through guided workflows and in-tool validation.
• Reduced administrative burden for both applicants and DCC teams.

The existing onboarding process will remain available for SEC Parties seeking to onboard as Energy Suppliers, iDNOs or other DCC User roles with future ambition to expand the digital solution to support further user categories.

More information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions.

For further information about onboarding as a DCC Other User, contact the DCC Onboarding Team at dcccustomeronboarding@smartdcc.co.uk.