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Non-profit operator takes charge of Great Britain’s smart meter network
Control of Great Britain’s smart meter data network is passing from Capita subsidiary Smart DCC to a non-profit operator. The change ends a 13-year licence marked by delays and rising costs, and shifts the network to a public-interest model intended to improve transparency and focus on consumers.
The new operator will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the Smart Energy Code Company, overseen by an independent board that includes former Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Gillian Guy. More than 39.2 million meters across 23 million homes and small businesses are connected, while three in 10 households still lack a smart meter and a further £1.7bn may be needed to complete the rollout. Capita says the network has 99.6% availability; Ofgem expects the new licence holder to build on its existing infrastructure.
In short
- Smart meter network control is moving from Capita to a non-profit operator.
- Three in 10 households still lack a smart meter.
- Completing the rollout could require another £1.7bn.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A non-profit operator could make the network’s public purpose clearer by putting transparency and consumer interests ahead of a private contractor’s commercial incentives. Given the previous licence’s delays and rising costs, independent oversight may improve accountability and help build confidence as the remaining meters are connected.
The case against
Changing the operator may add transition risks and costs to a network already serving millions of homes and businesses, while the scale of the remaining rollout means delivery matters as much as governance. The existing infrastructure is established and reportedly has high availability, so retaining a proven operator or relying on strong regulation of the current model could be seen as a lower-risk way to pursue improvements.
Explained simply
Smart meters record how much gas or electricity a property uses and can send readings to energy suppliers automatically. In Great Britain, the Smart DCC network securely carries data between smart meters and suppliers, serving homes and small businesses.
The network’s licence is moving from Smart DCC, a subsidiary of Capita, to a non-profit company owned by the Smart Energy Code Company. An independent board will oversee the new operator, including former Citizens Advice chief executive Dame Gillian Guy.
The change comes as the smart meter rollout remains incomplete, with three in 10 households still without one. The new operator is expected to use the existing network infrastructure as work continues to connect more properties.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Control of Britain’s 39m smart meters passes to non-profit startup”.