In 2024, the SEC Panel managed issues from Energy Suppliers affecting Smart Metering, with bi-monthly reviews supported by SECCo and SECAS. In November, the Panel delegated future issue management to Sub-Committees, with updates provided through the SEC Sub-Committee report.
Here is a summarised update on the ongoing management of each of these issues:
1. Failed Prepayment Vends and SMETS1 UTRN Processes:
The DCC provides quarterly updates to TABASC on managing alerts, including N56 alerts for SMETS1 Pre-Payment meters. SEC Modification 28 was implemented in the November 2024 SEC Release. For Major Incidents, the DCC collaborates with Operations Group to proactively identify and communicate incidents, and improve incident management to reduce unplanned outages
2. Delayed Price Cap Changes:
A Price Cap update on 01 April 2025 targeted 12.8m devices with a 94.3% success rate. All future dated price updates were processed within SLAs, and no Major Incidents were encountered. The DCC held daily calls with users to support the event and no industry-wide issues identified.
3. Non-Communicating Devices:
Managing non-communicating devices is a key task for OPSG during Q2 2024 and Q1 2025. The DCC has been actively supporting this effort, providing an update in March 2025 on actions, progress, and collaboration with Users.
4. Failed or Delayed Installs:
OPSG is managing the failed or delayed installation of smart metering equipment as a key task for Q2 2024 and Q1 2025. In March 2025, the DCC reported improved performance in the North Region, with Install and Commission (I&C) rates above 85% for the second consecutive month, though still below in the Central and South Regions. The DCC will update OPSG at its May 2025 meeting on the Wide Area Network (WAN) audit for the North Region. SEC Modification 255, addressing WAN signal issues, will be reviewed afterward.
5. Increased Cost to Serve:
SEC Modification 263 was implemented in November 2024, improving transparency on DCC charges. Governance changes, including proposed changes to the DCC’s Price Control arrangements and energy code reform and a Finance Sub-Committee under the SEC, are being discussed with Ofgem.
6. CSPN Issues:
The performance of the communications network in the North Region is a key priority for OPSG and TABASC. The DCC’s best-practice trial with Energy Suppliers has improved the birthing of Communications Hubs, and OPSG and the DCC will continue to focus heavily on continued improvements here.
The DCC is addressing risks related to scaling Long Range Radio to 2033 and is working on a validation report, expected by April 2025. This report will confirm risks and necessary mitigations to support five million Communications Hubs. The DCC will update TABASC in May 2025.
7. Alternative Technologies:
TABASC continues to consider Alternative Technologies and provide feedback to the DCC and DESNZ. The Government has decided to implement Virtual WAN Arrangements, and the DCC presented an update on the solution design in April 2025. The DCC is developing a Future Connectivity Strategy follow-on project for alternative technologies and will work with TABASC. SECAS will collaborate with the new Head of Business & Technical Architecture to manage technical changes across the SEC.