DCC, E.ON, Vodafone and Toshiba: 4G Smart Meter Optimisation
The Data Communications Company (DCC) has collaborated with Vodafone, Toshiba, Accenture, CGI and Deloitte to upgrade the smart meter network with a cost-efficient 4G Communications Hub solution.
The installation of new 4G Communications Hubs is to ensure that British consumers are benefitting from smart metering services, now and in the future as the end of 2G/3G approaches.
Part of a planned upgrade, this will see DCC harness the capability of 4G and beyond, improving operational performance and driving value for energy consumers.
More than half of British homes contain smart metering, managing energy use, enabling innovation and efficiency for energy suppliers and network operators – helping the UK meet its net zero targets.
The smart meter network
Smart meters are an advanced electronic device that measures and records energy consumption, such as electricity, gas or water.
These meters communicate this information to both consumers and energy suppliers – allowing for more accurate billing and enhanced energy management.
The smart meter network, designed, built and operated by DCC, is one of Europe’s largest telecommunications networks, continuing to grow as more meters are connected – reaching more than 100 million devices in 33 million premises at scale.
To maintain secure and stable connectivity, it's essential that the smart meter infrastructure evolves over time alongside technology.
The first 4G Communications Hubs are due to be installed from December 2024 to February 2025, with mass roll-out from summer 2025.
E.ON, Toshiba and Deloitte
The first batch of next generation 4G Communication Hubs, manufactured by Toshiba, represent a significant evolution in the connectivity and functionality that the smart meter network can deliver.
Energy suppliers began installing the new 4G Communications Hubs in early December – one of the first installations in the central and south regions took place in Staffordshire by E.ON.
Phil Gilbert, Director of Net Zero Delivery at E.ON comments: “Smart meters are a crucial component in the work to deliver Net Zero targets in Great Britain. They allow households to take control of their own energy usage and carbon footprint and help suppliers to balance demand across our national energy infrastructure.
"As a responsible energy supplier, we continually work to maintain our smart meter fleet and ensure they operate as expected. Therefore, we are delighted to be one of the first suppliers to be piloting the installation of these new 4G Communications Hubs.”
The roll out of communication hubs prove E.ON and Toshiba’s commitment to driving innovations that help Britain get more connected and lead smarter, greener lives.
Deloitte will add to the sustainability initiatives through consulting services, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable business practices.
Accenture, CGI and Vodafone
The partnership between Accenture and Vodafone focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and customer service, indirectly supporting sustainability by optimising operations and reducing waste.
Accenture remains committed to environmental goals, aiming for net zero emissions by 2040 and assisting clients in reducing carbon emissions to align with broader sustainability objectives.
Thomas Cunliffe, COO M2M Solutions Division at Toshiba, who manufactured the new 4G Communications Hub says: “It has been a privilege for Toshiba to design and build the 4G Dual Band Communications Hub for the DCC.
“We are immensely proud of not only the 4G end-product but also the way the team at Toshiba has collaborated with all the partners within the Programme. Our global supply chain is ready, and we look forward to ramping up production volumes for the mass roll-out next year.”
CGI contributes to the collaboration by working with Vodafone and the DCC to enhance the smart meter network across Great Britain.
By CGI developing data collection systems and networks necessary for optimising smart meter development, this supports the transition to a more sustainable energy system by providing consumers with accurate energy usage data.
Additionally, CGI provides software development and support for Vodafone's IoT platform, which manages connectivity for the smart meter network, ensuring reliable and efficient data transmission.
DCC’s deliverance
Smart metering is an essential component of the UK’s journey to net zero, helping households to reduce their own carbon footprint, while facilitating grid balancing and flexibility by delivering near real-time information on energy consumption and performance.
To ease the installation process, a Dual Band Communications Hub solution has been developed for use in all premises, extending the reach of the Home Area Network and delivering a simplified installation process for energy suppliers.
This upgrade will ensure that energy consumers benefit from continued smart metering services in their home, allowing them to: manage energy usage, benefit from flexible and efficient tariffs and swiftly switch suppliers.
Gav Parrott, Director of Products and Networks at DCC explains: “At DCC we are continuously looking to ensure our technology is fit for the future, and it’s fantastic that DCC's customers, energy suppliers, have started to successfully install the new 4G Communications Hub in consumers’ homes.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of DCC colleagues, our partners and customers, and marks a major moment in the history of the smart metering roll-out.”
Together these collaborations aim to enhance the UK's smart meter infrastructure, critical for reducing energy consumption and integrating renewable energy.
By upgrading to 4G connectivity, the projects contribute to reduced carbon emissions, improved energy management and progress toward the UK's net zero targets.
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