Draft Regulatory Instructions and Guidance (Successor Licensee)

We are reviewing the regulatory framework for the Data Communications Company (DCC). This is to put in place new arrangements following the expiry of the Smart Meter Communication Licence in 2027. This consultation seeks views on draft Successor Licensee Regulatory Instructions and Guidance (SL RIGs) to be used by DCC to submit the Price Control information for the first ex-ante cost control cycle.

Who should respond

We want to hear views from anyone who has an interest in smart metering. We welcome responses from Data Communications Company (DCC), its customers, including energy suppliers, distribution network operators, customer groups and other current or potential future users of the DCC network.

Background

DCC is responsible for operating a secure national communications network for smart metering in Great Britain. It currently operates under the Smart Meter Communication Licence. We are reviewing the licence arrangements ahead of the expiry of the Licence in 2027.

In December 2024 we published a policy consultation focused on the process for determination of the Licensee’s Allowed Revenue (cost control). We concluded that consultation on 09 May 2025. This consultation supports the implementation of our policy conclusions.

Our proposals

We are seeking views on the draft SL RIGs to underpin the implementation of our conclusions on the process for determination of the Successor Licensee’s Allowed Revenue. These consist of:

Templates in an MS Excel formal to be used for the submission of Price Control Information
Accompanying guidance document setting out instructions on how to fill in the data templates

Why your views matter

Your feedback is valuable and will help us develop the regulation for DDC. Your views on this consultation will help shape the future DCC cost control framework.

How to respond

Please send your feedback to Jakub Komarek on dccregulation@ofgem.gov.uk by 15 July 2025. You can send a PDF (pdf), Word (doc) or Excel (xls) document as part of your response.