What is a Data Communications Company (DCC) Adapter?

First things first. To understand what a DCC Adapter is you need to understand what the DCC is.

Simply put, the DCC is the data system at the heart of the smart meter rollout as it was identified early on that there was a need for secure, automated interaction across the industry. In order to operate smart meters, suppliers must connect to the infrastructure provided by the (DCC).

DCC is an owned subsidiary of Capita who in 2013 was granted the licence to build and manage the Smart Meter network by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The DCC is regulated by Ofgem.

Under this mandate the DCC must:

• Operate reliably for all consumers regardless of who their energy supplier is
• Allow authorised third parties to provide information requested by consumers i.e. how can they cut down on their energy usage
• Provide smart meter data to network operators

Importantly, first generation Smart Meters (SMETS1) are now under the remit of the DCC which has created a challenge for some suppliers. The move means that suppliers must switch to the DCC and ensure their SMETS1 meters are incorporated into the DCC.

This benefits both suppliers and consumers, as it restores the smart functionality of any dormant meters as well as making it easier for consumers to switch suppliers without their meters losing functionality.

With the number of Smart Meters in use surpassing the 15 million mark in the third quarter of 2019 the need for suppliers to manage them easily and effectively has never been higher.

A DCC Adapter allows an energy supplier to connect and communicate with the DCC supported Smart Meters network.

Adapters are designed to simplify the process and minimise the level of IT development change needed to a supply company’s internal systems.

With time running out for energy suppliers to increase the roll out of Smart Meters they need a way to quickly and accurately communicate with the DCC Smart Metering network.

Dyball Associates SaaS DCC Adapter aims to provide a simple, effective complete service that allows our clients to concentrate on their core business activities.

Designed for Energy Suppliers

Our DCC Adapter has been designed to integrate seamlessly with our CSM as well as any other energy supplier’s CRM system.

It allows you to smartly manage your customers by:

• Offering full smart pre-payment functionality, including mode switch, debt collection and payment integration
• Providing Meter Operator (MOP/MAM) integration to simplify meter installations.
• Supporting remote meter fault diagnosis and resolution
• Supporting straight forward Device and Alert Management to facilitate easy management of your Smart meter estate, ensuring SEC compliance.
• Providing Firmware Management
• Smets 1 Enrolment
• Device Configuration Management

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

Smart and Advanced Meter uptake now at 15.6 million

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