Expression of Interest in the new Smart Meter Communication Licence

Expression of Interest in the new Smart Meter Communication Licence | 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: Expression of Interest in the new Smart Meter Communication Licence Publication type: Call for input Publication date: 14 March 2025 Closed date: 12 April 2025 Status: Closed Topic: Metering Subtopic: Data Communications Company (DCC), Smart meters Print this page Related links Smart meter transition and the Data Communications Company (DCC) Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Ofgem is reviewing the regulatory arrangements for the Data Communications Company (DCC) ahead of the expiry of its Licence due in September 2027 (“DCC review”). As part of this process, Ofgem must also identify and select a successor licensee to hold the new Smart Meter Communication Licence. Current request in relation to the licence application process Before Ofgem launches the formal tender process, we are seeking information about prospective licence applicants. The purposes of this Expression of Interest and Questionnaire are: for prospective licence applicants to express interest in the new licence for prospective applicants to provide Ofgem with information about their intended application so Ofgem can assess their suitability to apply for and hold the new licence to inform Ofgem’s route and design of the process for identifying, selecting and granting the next licence to obtain information about prospective applicants that will assist Smart DCC Ltd and industry’s preparedness for the business handover process This Expression of Interest and Questionnaire is the final chance for applicants to express interest in the licence before Ofgem decides on the route for selecting the successor licensee. The information provided as part of this Expression of Interest and Questionnaire will not render an organisation ineligible to participate in the formal selection process. If an organisation does not complete the Expression of Interest and Questionnaire, it can still apply for the licence. However, the information will be used by Ofgem to determine appropriate next steps regarding the selection route which may include the decision to pursue a direct award. Ofgem notes that as this process is for the grant of a government licence, it is not subject to procurement legislation or regulations. 1 [1] The process for selecting the Successor Licensee is currently governed by the Electricity and Gas (Competitive Tenders for Smart Meter Communication Licences) Regulations 2012 . Next steps Below is an indicative timeline of the next steps for the licensee selection process. This is subject to change at Ofgem's discretion. Date Milestone 14 March 2025 Expression of Interest and Questionnaire opens 11 April 2025 Expression of Interest closes May 2025 Expression of Interest and Questionnaire used to inform design of selection process July 2025 Evaluation criteria for selection process published July/August 2025 Licence application competition opens (*assumes current regulations are used) August-October 2025 Qualification stage (*assumes current regulations are used) October 2025-January 2026 Proposal stage (*assumes current regulations are used) February 2026 If required; Best and Final Offer stage (*assumes current regulations are used) February/March 2026 Licence grant determination Attachments SMCL EOI – scope and background: outlines the purposes of this EOI, provides an overview of the licence application expectations, includes instructions for completing the forms, and answers expected questions. Expression of Interest - Questionnaire forms: please download and complete these forms returning them to dccregulation@ofgem.gov.uk Respond email dccregulation@ofgem.gov.uk Main document Smart Meter Communication Licence - Expression of Interest and Questionnaire: scope and background [PDF, 277.69KB] Subsidiary documents SMCL EOI - questionnaire forms [DOCX, 89.38KB] Print this page Related links Smart meter transition and the Data Communications Company (DCC) Share the page Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Close