On 20 July 2023, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) issued a consultation inviting responses from Smart Metering Implementation Programme (SMIP) stakeholders on proposed options for providing installation visit financing in situations where only a 2G/3G Communications Hub is to be exchanged for a 4G Communications Hub.
This consultation responds to the preparatory work progressed across the Department and industry parties to plan and support a smooth transition to the next generation of the DCC’s smart metering communication services. These services will utilise the 4G mobile network, following Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)’s announcement in December 2021, confirming that they do not intend to offer 2G and 3G mobile networks in the UK beyond 2033.
The scope of the consultation focuses on financing for installation where the existing 2G/3G Communication Hub alone will be replaced with a 4G Communication Hub for SMETS2 meters installed in the Central and South CSP regions prior to 2G/3G WAN expiry. Standard current financing arrangements covering the installation of smart metering assets and the associated Communications Hubs do not apply in this case. We expect this exchange activity to start at scale from 2026.
This consultation is also seeking views on the eligible components for costs for such Communications Hub only replacement installation work and options presented for how the costs of the financing associated with CH-only replacement site visits can be recovered.
The consultation document can be downloaded here.
Any stakeholders wishing to respond to the consultation should submit their response before 5 pm on 15 September 2023 to: smip.sdc@beis.gov.uk. The consultation document provides more detail on how to respond.
Any questions about the consultation should also be sent to the same mailbox.