Emma Christie

Smart DCC

At the DCC, we believe in making Britain more connected, so we can all lead smarter, greener lives. We're creating this future by digitising Britain's energy infrastructure. The secure wireless network we've built is the digital spine connecting millions of smart meters in homes and businesses across the country to energy suppliers and distribution network operators. Operating under licence, we're funded by our customers, the energy companies and network operators; we're directed by the Department for Business, and regulated by Ofgem. The DCC's secure network will enable energy companies to deliver their services to customers more efficiently and so drive down costs. Smarter, connected homes can enable energy efficiency, helping move Britain to a low carbon economy. Our network will also support the Ofgem-led transformation programme to deliver faster, more reliable switching for energy consumers. This encourages greater competition: consumers will be able to switch provider within 24 hours. Before our network was built, millions of first-generation smart meters (known as SMETS1) had been installed. DCC is working hard to retrofit these meters to our network, so consumers will be able to switch supplier without their meter losing smart functionality. Our secure network opens up boundless opportunities for innovators within and beyond the energy industry. It could be used to support nationwide smart charging for electric vehicles, to facilitate smart buildings and smart cities or to support remote healthcare. By enabling new products and services we will deliver further public good, helping build a carbon neutral Britain. By identifying ways to re-use this valuable infrastructure asset, we will bring down costs for all our customers. We're already talking to some of Britain's most innovative businesses about the potential of this network. Imagine what you could do with it.