What we do
The Devices Team plays a central role in the UK smart metering ecosystem, working across the full lifecycle of smart metering devices to support secure, reliable, and efficient integration with the DCC network. We collaborate closely with internal programmes, industry partners, and device manufacturers to ensure that devices operate effectively in both test and live environments.
The Devices Team maintains a strategic understanding of industry programme timelines, device hardware and firmware roadmaps, deployment plans for products entering production, and the appropriate use of devices in both test and live environments. This comprehensive awareness enables us to support stakeholders with planning, readiness, and adoption activities that underpin the long‑term success of the smart metering ecosystem.
Our Core Responsibilities
1. Technical Account Management
The Devices Team leads the technical relationship with Meter manufacturers, IHD/PPMID manufacturers, and, more recently, Virtual WAN Device (VWD) suppliers. We act as the primary technical point of contact for these organisations, ensuring clear communication, aligned roadmaps, and effective collaboration across the full device lifecycle.
Our role includes supporting the development, deployment, and in life‑ management of smart metering devices—providing guidance on hardware and firmware roadmaps, ensuring seamless connectivity to the DCC, and supporting devices as they move into production.
This responsibility is becoming increasingly important as the industry focuses on reducing Non communicating Devices (NCDs). With Ofgem preparing to introduce new GSOP‑ related obligations, proactive engagement with manufacturers is essential. The Devices Team ensures partners understand evolving requirements, receive timely technical support, and deliver devices that operate‑ reliably and securely on the DCC network.
2. Firmware, Certificate and Security Management
We support industry stakeholders with device certificate readiness, file‑signing utilities, and firmware management to ensure smart metering devices meet all Smart DCC security standards. This includes validating that devices have the correct certificates, are securely signed, and have compliant firmware so they can authenticate, communicate, and operate reliably across the DCC network.
3. Incident and Issue Management
The Devices Team is the primary point of contact for DCC ‑managed programmes in relation to devices s‑pecific incidents. We work directly with Meter Manufacturers, sometimes with Energy Suppliers, internal and external teams to investigate, correlate, and resolve issues efficiently through established incident management processes.
4. Collaboration Across the Ecosystem
We work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Internal DCC programme and operational teams
- Device and meter manufacturers
- Energy Suppliers and Network Operators
- Industry bodies, innovation groups, and programme governance forums
This collaboration ensures that device behaviour, firmware releases, and known issues are communicated clearly and managed consistently across the ecosystem.
5. Support for Innovation and Industry Programmes
The smart metering landscape continues to evolve, and the Devices Team provides strategic insight into new industry initiatives and innovation programmes. We ensure that new device capabilities, emerging technologies, and upcoming regulatory programmes can integrate with the Devices as efficiently as possible.
Upcoming Events
Through our Interoperability, Interchangeability and Innovation Test Events, DCC collaborates with meter manufacturers by providing them with the opportunity to bring their products on site and test them in an environment that closely replicates end-to-end smart metering operations. These events enable greater flexibility and supporting ‑early-stage validation, innovation‑ and product readiness.
Interoperability and Innovation Test Events
Through our Interoperability, Interchangeability and Innovation Test Events, the DCC provides the opportunity for smart metering device manufacturers to test their products as close to end-to-end as possible, without the need of a managed service provider or for energy suppliers to be present or supporting the event.
Scheduled dates:
- 23rd June to 2nd July
- 15th to 24th September
- 24th November to 3rd December
Testing tools
GFI
Working closely with industry, DCC has developed a tool that allows device manufacturers to test that their interpretation of the Great Britain Companion Specification (GBCS) aligns with the DCC’s.
DCC Boxed
DCC Boxed is designed to emulate the smart metering network, by offering a suite of testing tools that enable authorised users to better understand, enhance or develop their own solutions.
