20 million smart meter milestone for GB data network
The GB Data Communications Company (DCC) has reported the connection of the 20 millionth smart meter to the national network.
The milestone achieved with the installation of an electricity smart meter by supplier Utilita Energy Ltd at a location in Brighton also marks a doubling in size of the network in just 14 months.
With the connection the DCC network comprises 8.5 million first-generation meters which have been migrated and 11.5 million second-generation meters.
“We’re delighted to have reached this milestone,” says Angus Flett, CEO of the DCC.
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“These 20 million meters have been added in less than 4 years. This network is the backbone of a new digital energy infrastructure in Britain, as we transform our energy system. Crucially, the data we carry from these 20 million meters enables the best possible use of renewable energy sources, which everyone wants.”
The DCC aims to provide a secure network that connects smart meters to energy suppliers for the communication of energy data and information. In April, some 897 million messages were relayed on the network.
According to the DCC, the 20 million smart meters are reducing CO2 emissions by 580,000t per year.
The DCC also notes that in some areas in particular in the Midlands, the take-up of smart meters is over 60%.
Still, there is some way to go in terms of connections.
According to the latest data from the government Department for Business, Energy and Innovation Strategy (BEIS) there were 27.8 million smart and advanced meters installed in homes and small businesses in Britain at the end of 2021.
This corresponds to half of all meters and of them, 23.6 million were smart in smart mode or advanced meters.
The deadline for completion of the national smart meter rollout is the end of 2025, following delays in the early stages to technical issues and latterly to the government’s lockdown response to Covid.
