Smart Meter Installations up in March and Energy UK report shows opposition to Mandating the DCC for EV smart charging

The number of smart meters being installed increased sharply month-on-month in March. Meanwhile, a new report from Energy UK has shown opposition to mandating that the DCC be the main solution behind EV charging. 

Increase in Smart Meter Installations

Year-on-Year increase

The number of installations was also 30% up on March’s 2020 when the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic first began to be felt. The first national lockdown resulted in installations plummeting as the government paused the smart meter rollout.

Engineers were allowed to enter properties again in June 2020 but slowed again as a result of the second and third lockdowns.

So far in 2021 over 500,000 smart meters have been installed with the highest uptake being the East of England with 31,000 installations and followed by the South of England with 30,000.

Also read: Are you ready for the new smart meter rollout obligations?

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Opposition to mandating the use of the smart meter network for EV charging

A report released by Energy UK has shown that the industry opposes the mandating of the Smart Data Communications Company (DCC) as the main solution for smart charging for Electric Vehicles.

The government has made it clear that it would prefer the smart meter network to facilitate smart meter charging but according to Energy UK, there is clear opposition from industry who believe that the current system does not offer enough flexibility or speed to handle markets such as Fast Frequency Response.

Some participants in the survey raised concerns that the use of the smart meter system could stifle innovation or prevent new product offerings that could be better alternatives. Another key issue raised were worries over costs and governance arrangements.

“Smart charging for EVs is an essential solution and we must get this right to meet our net zero ambitions and decarbonise the transport sector. Without it, we will have to invest far more in new generation assets and networks. It’s clear from our research that there is a range of smart charging at home options that are secure, that unlock innovation and that deliver for customers. Industries in the EV market need Government to listen to their concerns and recommendations, and to clearly lay out their smart charging system requirements so we can build and deliver it,” said Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK.

The government has asked the industry to provide viable alternatives to using the smart meter network but in response, the industry highlighted that they will need more detail and the requirements for such a project. Concerns over cybersecurity in particular was one of the key issues raised.

This debate is sure to go on over the coming months and years especially after the government brought forward its commitment to a 78% emissions reduction by 2035.

Whether you’re looking for electricity and gas systems or support on starting an energy supply company, Dyball Associates Ltd can help.

Further Reading

Number of consumers switching energy supplier soars after Ofgem Energy Price cap rise

58% of Households ration electricity and gas use over energy bill fears – how can energy suppliers help their customers?

The key compliance and regulatory issues new energy market entrants need to know

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