The 10 millionth smart meter has been installed in Great Britain in a significant milestone for the technology.
The Data Communications Company (DCC) confirmed the installation of the meter at 10:47am on 1 February 2021 by E.On Energy in Doddington, Cambridgeshire.
DCC CEO Angus Flett said this shows the sector has “progressed hugely over the last year in digitising Britain’s energy system”.
“Since the start of 2020, our secure network has tripled in size – with 10 million smart meters connected, the rollout is now reaching critical mass.”
Collectively these smart meters are preventing the release of up to 275,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions a year according to the DCC.
While the rollout was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with suppliers having to halt their efforts for three months from March, efforts continued through the summer and winter. In total, 5.5 million smart meters have been connected to the DCC network since the start of the pandemic.
“DCC’s customers, the energy companies and network operators, have worked hard with us to build this momentum, despite the massive challenge of COVID-19, adapting to ensure safe ways of working,” continued Flett.
“These meters inform and enable a responsive, smart energy grid, allowing Britain to make the best possible use of renewable energy like wind and solar power.”
The number of SMETS2 smart meters are growing steadily, although slightly below the pre-COVID-19 levels. A lot of this recent growth has been due to the mass migration of more than 3 million SMETS1 meters.
Dan Brooke, chief executive of Smart Energy GB, added: “Britain’s energy revolution is gaining pace and it’s great to see ten million smart meters now installed on this ultra-safe and secure dedicated network.
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