Nine Energy Suppliers could be issued with Final Orders over DCC requirements by Ofgem

The DCC manages the communications infrastructure of smart meters in the UK and is operated by Capita Plc under licence from Ofgem. It is responsible for linking up home-based smart meters and those in small businesses with network operators, energy suppliers and energy service companies. The DCC is responsible for ensuring that the smart meter network runs smoothly, and the information generated is accurate.

All energy suppliers were required to become DCC users from November 2017 for the rollout of the first generation of smart meters (SMETS1) and support the installation of second-generation meters (SMETS2).

The nine suppliers who have failed to comply with the requirement are: Ampoweruk Ltd, Better Energy Supply Limited, Daligas Limited, Enstroga Ltd, Entice Energy Supply Limited, Euston Energy Ltd, Green Energy Supply Limited, Symbio Energy Limited and UK National Gas Ltd.

Under Ofgem rules, all energy suppliers must take all the steps they can to encourage all their domestic and small business customers to adopt smart meters by the end of this year. Until the energy suppliers listed implement DCC all their customers with DCC connected smart meters are unable to use their functionality and anyone with a smart meter switching to them will no longer be able to use them as they should be. Instead, the meters revert to traditional meters that require the consumer to manually provide meter readings.

According to a report released in November 2019 by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the number of smart meters in use across the UK numbered 15.6 million. The numbers in use are growing but is still far below the governments target of 100% coverage for every small business and home by the end of the year.

As a result, this deadline was pushed back to 2024 with the expected installation rate lowered to 85%. Some industry experts have warned, however, that even that figure will be impossible to achieve and won’t realistically be achievable until 2028 at the earliest. To meet the target now, suppliers would need to install 2million per month before the end of 2020 - compared to the current rate of around 340,000 per month

Ofgem has warned that if the nine suppliers in question do not become DCC users it will act, which could result in their licences being revoked.

1 in 3 Smart Meter users have seen their energy usage fall claims report

Smart and Advanced Meter uptake now at 15.6 million

Dyball Associates are proud to help new supply businesses successfully launch in the UK market.

Through our energy market consultancy services, and the software we’ve developed, we’re supporting new UK electricity and gas suppliers get set up and start supplying.

For more information on how to start and manage an energy company, get in touch with Dyball Associates today.

Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to keep up to date with the latest news and updates in the energy industry.