DCC, Tobisha, E.ON & Vodafone: 4G for Greener Smart Meters

The Data Communications Company (DCC) has joined forces with industry giants including Vodafone, Toshiba, Accenture, CGI and Deloitte to enhance the UK's smart meter network using a new cost-effective 4G Communications Hub solution.

This evolution not only prepares British consumers for futureproof energy management services but also ensures seamless connectivity as the 2G and 3G networks approach their sunset phase.

The push to replace older hubs with cutting-edge 4G Communications Hubs is part of DCC's strategic initiative to adopt 4G and future technologies.

This aims at improving operational performance and maximising the benefits for energy consumers.

Remarkably, over half of the UK homes now operate with smart metering, enhancing energy efficiency and innovation for suppliers and network operators which propels the nation towards its ambitious net zero emissions goals.

A rising network of smart meters

Smart meters are advanced electronic devices designed to record the consumption of utilities like electricity, gas and water.

These devices allow for precise billing and improve energy management by transmitting usage information directly to consumers and energy suppliers.

Managed by the DCC, the smart meter network is among the largest telecommunication frameworks in Europe and is continuously expanding, currently supporting around 100 million devices across 33 million premises.

To ensure it remains robust and efficient, the network's infrastructure needs periodic technological upgrades.

Scheduled to commence between December 2024 and February 2025, the installation of the first 4G Communications Hubs marks a significant phase in this technological transition, with mass roll-out expected by the summer of 2025.

Fostering sustainability and innovation

Toshiba spearheads the first wave of these innovative 4G Communications Hubs, symbolising a significant leap in connectivity and functionality available to the smart meter network.

By early December energy suppliers led by E.ON, begin introducing these hubs, with one of the first deployments occurring in Staffordshire.

This roll-out underscores the commitment by E.ON and Toshiba to pioneer solutions that not only enhance connectivity but also support smarter and more sustainable lifestyles in the UK.

Complementing these technological advances, Deloitte contributes through its consultancy services by championing energy efficiency and sustainable business practices to bolster overall environmental efforts.

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.”

Collaboration & sustainable innovation

The collaboration between Accenture and Vodafone is focused on boosting both operational efficiency and customer experiences, indirectly supporting environmental goals by optimising procedures and minimising waste.

Accenture is dedicated to reaching net zero emissions by 2040 and assists its clients in aligning their operations with similar sustainability targets.

Additionally, CGI collaborates with Vodafone and DCC to augment the capabilities of Britain’s smart meter network.

By upgrading data collection frameworks and networks, CGI aids the transition to a greener energy system by providing precise data on energy consumption.

CGI also lends its expertise in software development to support Vodafone’s IoT platform, which is instrumental in managing the connectivity of smart meters and ensuring steady and efficient data exchange.

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.”

Benefits for energy consumers

Smart metering plays a crucial role in reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.

This initiative helps households manage their energy consumption better, prompts flexible tariff benefits and facilitates easy supplier switching, all of which help maintain grid balance and flexibility by supplying timely data on power consumption and performance.

A key part of this transition includes the development of a Dual Band Communications Hub which ensures that the Home Area Network can reach all premises effectively.

This not only extends network coverage but also simplifies the installation process for energy 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.”

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