Smart meter transition and the Data Communications Company (DCC)
Energy suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that smart meters automatically send them your gas and electricity meter readings. This is called operating in ‘smart mode’.
Smart meters operating in smart mode
The table below gives the percentage of smart meters operating in smart mode in England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain) for suppliers with over 150,000 customers.
This data is from 30 June 2024.
Smart meters operating in smart mode provide substantial benefits, including:
- providing real-time information on your energy usage
- enabling more accurate bills
- giving you access to more flexible tariffs
The vast majority of smart meters in Great Britain are operating in smart mode.
Smart meters not operating in smart mode
If you have a smart meter that is not operating in smart mode, it will still record your energy usage accurately. You will also still be able to take manual readings. There are a number of reasons why a smart meter might not operate in smart mode, for example if it:
- loses connection with your supplier
- loses connection after you change supplier
- has been installed without being connected to the national communication system
Contact your energy supplier to discuss what the issue may be and how they can help.
If you’re not sure who to contact, follow the instructions on our find your energy supplier page.
There may be some issues your supplier cannot resolve.
How we're helping consumers
In July 2024 we opened compliance engagement with Great Britain’s six largest suppliers to review in greater detail why some smart meters are not operating in smart mode and how this may be addressed.