Helping to tackle fuel poverty through smart data

We have released a new report – Tackling Fuel Poverty Through Smart Metering – that explores how smart metering, and smart data can help to tackle the growing issue of fuel poverty.

According to estimates from National Energy Action, there are now over six million households in fuel poverty, with energy debt continuing to rise. A successful transition to a greener energy system, will require smarter solutions that deliver a fairer model for consumers.

As we set out in our report, there are two primary opportunities for the smart metering system and data to support fuel poverty reduction.

First, through providing richer, more dynamic and accurate insight from smart meter data to enable targeted support for fuel poor households. With Ofgem’s support, DCC has worked with selected energy suppliers to enable controlled access to anonymised data but with significant opportunity to go further.

Second, with the right consent mechanisms, our network can provide direct intervention to meters of those facing fuel poverty. The report outlines how DCC’s secure connectivity has already been leveraged to provide direct funding to households, with opportunities to maximise the value from this for further, targeted support.

Chris Lovatt, Chief Executive Officer at DCC said,

“If you look across the UK we see more than 6 million homes who are in or approaching levels of fuel poverty.

While by no means the whole solution, maximising use of this national asset holds potential to take us one step closer to truly tackling fuel poverty.”

Adam Scorer, Chief Executive Officer at National Energy Action, said,

“Fuel poverty continues to rob millions of people of their health, dignity and peace of mind. The scale of the challenge demands innovation, urgency and collaboration. 

It won’t solve fuel poverty on its own, but it could help ensure that support gets to where it’s needed most, when it’s needed most. That would be vital step forward.”

We are aware that no single solution can address the complex and differing needs of all of those who suffer from fuel poverty, and we continue to welcome support, collaboration and input from across industry.

But the DCC stands ready to play our part, maximising value from a unique national asset to accelerate a greener, fairer transition cost effectively.