15mn smart meters now connected to the UK’s Data Communications Company network
Angus Flett of Data Communications Company
The Data Communications Company (DCC) has confirmed that the 15 millionth smart meter has been connected to its national secure network. The milestone was achieved with the installation of a second-generation electricity smart meter by OVO Energy in Eastleigh, Hampshire at 11:11am on September 24th.
Conservative estimates show that homes on the national smart meter network are helping save more than 2 terawatt hours of energy every year. That’s nearly a gas power station’s, or 150 large wind turbines’, annual generation. Put another way, it’s the equivalent to the entire yearly electricity usage of the city of York, England. Overall, there is now a reduction of an estimated 434,000 tonnes per year of CO2.
Data Communications Company CEO, Angus Flett, says, “The current volatility in the energy market has shown that we need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. To cut our usage and operate our grid more intelligently, smart meters will be essential – meters on our national network are now driving city-sized savings.
“The DCC helps support consumer protections. Millions of households across Britain are now able to access the best energy tariffs through their smart meter, while having the data at their fingertips to reduce their energy usage.
“Reaching 15 million meters would not have been possible without the hard work of DCC’s suppliers and customers the energy companies and network operators. Together we are making Britain more connected so we can all live smarter, greener lives,” Flett adds.
The DCC’s secure network reportedly continues to see strong growth. In September the network surpassed 9 million second-generation (SMETS2) meters. The installation of the 9 millionth second-generation meter was by Shell Energy in Rotherham on September 9th.
The month of August saw a record 686,000 first-generation meters (SMETS1) migrated onto the network, which are in total approaching 6 million meters.
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