What is the DSP?
The Data Service Provider (DSP) sits at the heart of the smart metering infrastructure, providing data services that connect Energy Suppliers to devices at their consumers’ premises. The DSP Data System is a central facility that controls the flow of messages to and from smart metering equipment, with Service User organisations (e.g. Energy Suppliers, Network Operators, and Other Users) communicating via these central DSP facilities.
What's changing?
The contract for the current DSP solution (As-Is DSP) is set to expire in 2028. DCC completed a Full Business Case for a new DSP contract to reprocure a solution (Future DSP) and new contracts with partner organisations were signed in March 2025.
A disaggregated approach was adopted, with different partner organisations providing the following capabilities:
- Core DSP being delivered by IBM, which will include a new DCCKI Certification Authority;
- DCC gateway connections will be provided by VodafoneThree. This service is referred to as DCC Connect;
- Modular DCC User Interface Specification (DUIS) capability provided by Netcompany. This is a change from the existing ‘monolithic’ design of DUIS in the As-Is DSP and is intended to introduce more flexibility for Service Users. Modular DUIS will be implemented on Future DSP only;
- DSP Systems Integrator (SI) being provided by CGI.
What are the benefits to customers?
The Future DSP will deliver improved value for money by reducing operational costs, decreasing the run cost per customer and enabling faster, more cost-efficient change.
We’re building the platform on a modern architecture, using cloud technology, flexible on-demand scaling and smarter prioritisation and caching, creating opportunities for future service innovation and customisation.
Designed for reliability and resilience, the Future DSP will minimise service failures and reduce security risks, while boosting speeds and aiming for near-zero downtime when live. It will also meet our mandatory Licence and SEC compliance criteria.
Maintaining service continuity will be key as we transition and the migration will be managed carefully to minimise disruption for users and the wider DSP ecosystem.
Find out more: DSP-related consultations.
Three key activities requiring Service User involvement
The key activities
To support the management of each activity, DCC is currently planning on the basis that all Service Users and Test Participants where required, will have completed each step before the next commences, and will support Service Users and Test Participants to implement this approach in a timely manner. The three main activities are:
Cutover to DCC Connect from GAMMA connections
This represents a change for the entirety of the DCC ecosystem and as such DCC will prioritise the protection of the current service throughout the execution of this element of the plan.
Cutover to DSP Release 1 (DCCKI2, SMKI, SRG) from the As-Is DSP
Service Users will need to make changes to their system configuration and create and install a new DCCKI2 test certificate in the User Integration Testing (UIT) environment ahead of UIT testing and in production once the Smart Routing Gateway (SRG) is live.
DSP Release 2: Migration of Devices from As-Is DSP to Future DSP
DCC is not anticipating active involvement from Service Users for this migration in the live system where devices will be migrated from the As Is DSP to the Future DSP. Install & Commission and other private key transfer will also take place during device migration.
View the DSP Delivery Plan here
Further information on Release 1 and Release 2 will be provided as the DSP Programme progresses.
DCC Connect
What is DCC Connect?
DCC Connect is the replacement provision of gateway services (i.e. network connectivity) to connect Service Users and Service Providers to the DSP in both production and test environments. It replaces the existing GAMMA provision. DCC Connect is being built, delivered and run by VodafoneThree. The solution will use an SD-WAN topology to provide security and network management capability. DCC Connect will include virtual Cloud connections, in addition to physical high and low volume connections.
Benefits of DCC Connect
SD-WAN
- SD-WAN delivers a cloud native network solution - underpins capability to move users to the Cloud.
- SD-WAN supports any type of 'underlay' transport network including MPLS, Ethernet, Internet, and cellular technologies - this gives us a single solution compatible with all transport technologies.
Integration and automation
- Service integration with FSM for enhanced onboarding and user experience - provides real-time view of order status and service requests.
- Increased automation and less re-keying.
Efficiencies
- Reduced transit cost per MB (100/1000Mbps connections provided by default).
- Reduced cost of change through automation.
Safe and secure
- Integrated security functions - everything in one place for the total disaggregated solution.
- Holistic network and security management - managed through a single pane of glass via controller-based architecture as opposed to managing single devices.
Smoother processes
- Implements separated networks for Unregulated, Regulated Test, and Production.
- Service Design changes will result in smoother order process, and direct service request process.
Continuity and reliability
- Direct commercial relationship with VodafoneThree - we go straight to supplier, rather than via a third-party.
- VodafoneThree operates their own network infrastructure, and their current footprint covers a significant portion of the datacentres where our SU/SPs currently have a presence. This will boost service continuity and reliability by significantly reducing the lead times for service provision for approximately 50% of sites.
When will DCC Connect be deployed?
The cutover window and external Go-Live will begin on 25 March 2026 and run for approximately 12 months until 30 March 2027, during which time DCC will support Service Users and Test Participants with the cutover from Gamma to DCC Connect. Once full migration has been completed the GAMMA service will be decommissioned and terminated to reduce dual run costs.
Principles for DCC Connect cutover
Minimise Cost
- Aligning cutover with current GAMMA contract expiry.
- Reduce time for approvals where there are no cost increases.
Preparation
- Complete data captures and order forms in advance of go live where possible.
- Book in site surveys/risk assessments as required to advance process.
Partnership Approach
- Choose preferred options.
- Agree best date and time of day in working hours for cutover with Service Users.
Protect Service
- Huge benefit to DCC and Service Users from moving at speed and completing cutovers in a timely fashion ahead of DSP Release 1 cutover.
- Back up ‘unhappy path’ plan in place should roll back be needed.
How can Service Users and Test Participants help?
Users and Participants can help by:
- Confirming the proposed DCC Connect connection type and costs;
- Providing required technical information to provision the connection;
- Agreeing dates for surveys, installations and cutover to DCC Connect;
- Facilitating physical access to locations for DCC to undertake surveys and installation works;
- Planning and execution for live network traffic cutover.
A five-stage approach
How will DCC Connect be deployed for customers?
Network Evolution Transition and Migration Approach Document (NETMAD) Consultation and Designation
DCC has consulted on the required changes and proposed service offerings for the new DCC Connect service.
DCC Connect Order Confirmation Begins
DCC currently has over 100 Service User and Service Provider connections in place with GAMMA. To complete the transition of all these connections, and the Test Participants using Gamma connections, to the new DCC Connect service, DCC will be open for orders of DCC Connect on the first working day after the designation of the NETMAD.
DCC Connect Acceptance Into Service (AIS)
AIS is a DCC operational governance process that ensures deployment and performance of new services meets operational acceptance standards. This will be an ‘internal’ decision for DCC to satisfy itself that interconnectivity between the existing GAMMA network and the new DCC Connect (VodafoneThree service) has been established successfully, and without adverse effect on the current operational service.
DCC Connect Go-Live and Service User Cutover Window Begins
The opening of the cutover window will mark the external Go-Live date i.e. the date by which Service Users and Test Participants can begin cutover to DCC Connect once DCC has confirmed there is no risk to existing operational service and has signed off the AIS governance.
DCC Connect Service User cutover ends
This will be approximately 12 months after the cutover window begins, during which time DCC will support Service Users and Test Participants with the cutover from GAMMA to DCC Connect.