Control over Great Britain’s 39 million smart meters has officially transferred to a non-profit startup, marking the conclusion of a 13-year operating licence held by Smart DCC, a subsidiary of outsourcing firm Capita. The handover, taking effect from this week, follows years of rising costs and delays that plagued the nationwide rollout.
The network connecting the country's smart meters is now operating under a public-interest model governed by an independent board as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Smart Energy Code Company (SECCo). Whitehall officials replaced the commercial framework established in 2013 to shift the focus toward transparency, cost management, and consumer needs. The new board features experienced telecoms and energy executives, alongside Dame Gillian Guy, former chief executive of Citizens Advice.
A Capita spokesperson defended the company's 13-year stewardship, highlighting that the network successfully connects over 39.2 million smart meters across 23 million homes and businesses. Meanwhile, Ofgem acknowledged Smart DCC's foundational role in building the digital communication structure, noting that the incoming operator will be expected to build upon those achievements.
