Consent granted to DCC under Conditions 9 and 10 of the Smart Meter Communication Licence, and Section M4.3 of the Smart Energy Code - April 2024
Summary
Ofgem grants consent for DCC to participate in additional fuel poverty research projects and disclose smart meter system data to three organisations building on previous MEDApps competition work. This allows access to confidential information that would otherwise be prohibited under DCC's licence conditions. The consent extends DCC's authorised activities beyond core smart meter communications functions.
Why it matters
Redistributive measure that treats symptoms of expensive energy rather than addressing supply or market structure. The consent mechanism shows how regulatory frameworks can be adapted to support social programmes without changing underlying market design.
Key facts
- •Consent granted under Licence Conditions 9 and 10 of Smart Meter Communication Licence
- •Extends previous August 2023 consent covering eleven organisations
- •Allows disclosure of confidential information falling within Smart Energy Code definitions
- •Builds on MEDApps competition launched April 2021
Timeline
Areas affected
Related programmes
Memo
Consent granted to DCC under Conditions 9 and 10 of the Smart Meter Communication Licence, and Section M4.3 of the Smart Energy Code - April 2024 | Ofgem Please enable JavaScript in your web browser to get the best experience. BETA This site is currently in BETA. Help us improve by giving us your feedback . Close alert: Consent granted to DCC under Conditions 9 and 10 of the Smart Meter Communication Licence, and Section M4.3 of the Smart Energy Code - April 2024 Publication type: Decision Publication date: 8 April 2024 Topic: Metering Subtopic: Data Communications Company (DCC), Smart meters Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn In April 2021, DCC partnered with other organisations to take part in the Modernising Energy Data Applications (MEDApps) competition, for participation in a project aimed at using smart meter system data to solve challenges regarding identifying fuel poor households. DCC now has further opportunities to support other organisations for the purpose of addressing issues related to fuel poverty. In August 2023, we provided consent to allow DCC to provide eleven organisations access to system data to help in their research to identify ways to support those at risk of fuel poverty. In December 2023, DCC wrote to us again requesting consent to provide additional information to three of the organisations to further their research. Condition 9 of DCC’s Smart Meter Communications Licence prohibits DCC from carrying out any business or activity other than that of the Authorised Business, unless the Authority otherwise consents. Additionally, Licence Condition 10, and Section M4.1 and M4.2 of the Smart Energy Code, set out general prohibitions regarding the disclosure of Confidential Information, except where the Authority otherwise consents. This consent is to permit DCC’s participation in the additional projects listed in our consent, and to disclose certain data falling within the definition of Confidential Information as part of its participation. Main document Consent granted to DCC under Conditions 9 and 10 of the Smart Meter Communication Licence, and Section M4.3 of the Smart Energy Code - April 2024 [PDF, 156.52KB] Print this page Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close