We like developing ways of making life easier
Part of building a smart energy future for people, is building the technology that makes it possible. So, with help from our customers and partners, we’re working hard to improve our network today, so we can lay the foundations for the energy infrastructure of tomorrow.
Programmes
Our key programmes
We are delivering a range of programmes that will support the smart meter roll-out and transform Britain's energy system.
Seamless switching
Our Centralised Switching Services will make switching energy suppliers faster, more reliable and more efficient. Consumers will be able to transfer data, payment details and account information within just 24 hours.
Enrolling SMETS1 to the network
We’ve been migrating first generation (SMETS1) smart meters onto our secure, central system since 2019. For consumers, this means smart meters will keep their smart functionality even when switching energy suppliers - which can help them save more.
Dual-Band Comms Hubs
Staying connected is easier with Dual Band Comms Hubs. Using a 868MHz Home Area Network frequency, they allow wider coverage and superior connectivity between utility meters in home, meaning more homes can have a smart meter fitted.
Our roadmap into the future
Partnering with consortium to demonstrate the future of EV charging
We joined forces with Toshiba, Pelion, Vestel, and has.to.be to bring current electric vehicle charging infrastructure onto a secure, unified, national network. This pilot project will yield vital data necessary to inform future national strategies for EV smart charging.
Migration of dormant meters
By the end of 2021 we aim to have migrated the remaining dormant first generation meters onto the network.
Work will start to migrate active meters and with the help of our customers, who need to meet their migration forecasts, will be completed within a 12-month timeframe.
Switching programme live
Ofgem's Faster Switching Programme, which we are a key delivery partner in, will go live in 2022.
Enduring Change of Supplier
Smart meters use secure certificates that allow energy suppliers to communicate with them. Whenever a consumer switches supplier they need to be refreshed so an accurate bill can be produced.
When the network was built a temporary solution was introduced which is now being replaced by a permanent one.
The design, build and test phase will be complete by June 2022 and migration will be completed by April 2023.
Half hourly settlement
This enhancement will allow energy usage to be collected from meters every half hour. The service will enable retailers to offer new flexible products that allow consumers to save money on their energy bills.
We plan to agree a final and costed solution by February 2022 and anticipate the start of Systems Integration Testing in January 2023.
Network Evolution
Network evolution will deliver new processes, systems
and technologies to improve the live service, reduce
the operating costs and secure the continuity of a critical part of the UK’s national infrastructure.
The aim of the programme is to deliver a ‘future state’ Data Services Provider by October 2024.
The data journey
From meter reading and encryption to switching and billing, watch our video to find out how the DCC network makes it possible.
Further reading
