Government confirms smart metering infrastructure delay

The delay – the third in 18 months – is because of overrunning tests, says the Data Communications Company

The government has confirmed that the communications infrastructure behind its project for nationwide energy smart metering will not be operational until the end of the  month, marking a further delay in the project.

The Data Communications Company (DCC), which is responsible for operating the data and communications hub at the heart of the smart metering system, said the delay was because of overrunning tests. The delay is the third in the last 18 months.

The infrastructure had been expected to go live last month but the newly formed Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) confirmed that it will now be operational at the end of September. BEIS said the delay will not hold up plans to install smart meters in homes and businesses across the UK by the end of 2020.

BEIS added: “Energy suppliers are already making good progress, with 3.6 million meters installed across Britain.

“The DCC has completed the design-and-build phase of this important part of the programme but is still in the final stages of testing ahead of the planned go-live of the infrastructure at the end of September.

 “The infrastructure will deliver a long-lasting, world-class system to bill payers. In the meantime energy suppliers continue to drive the programme forward.”