Smart meter diagnosis tool launched in GB

GB utility network provider GTC has developed and launched a remote smart meter diagnosis tool on the Data Communications Company’s (DCC) network.

With the tool, GTC is able to connect to and communicate with smart meters in order to remotely diagnose issues and thereby reduce the need for costly and time-consuming visits to premises.

With this deployment, GTC becomes the first independent distribution network operator making use of the DCC network and is fully accredited under the Smart Energy Code defining the rights and obligations of all parties involved in the management of the country’s smart metering.

“Deploying a DCC adapter onto our network is the natural progression for GTC, meaning we deliver better network management services and allow us to enhance the service we provide for our customers,” commented Seth Townsley, Electricity Innovation & Transformation manager at GTC.

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A DCC adapter is an IT solution designed to enable energy suppliers to connect and communicate with the DCC’s network, simplifying the process and minimising the level of IT development change needed to the supply company’s internal systems.

With the DCC network now built and performing – with almost 31.8 million smart meters connected and almost 2.2 billion messages sent monthly at the time of writing – the company is aiming to leverage its power and the data it transmits ‘for public good’, i.e. to maximise the value of the data, through partnerships with energy suppliers and others.

Welcoming GTC as a DCC user, Paul Clark, partnerships director, said: “We are welcoming an increasingly diverse range of organisations to the DCC network, reflecting the value our network offers as the GB energy transition progresses.”

Another recent new DCC user is Unify Energy, which provides electricity and gas to commercial organisations with flexible energy tariffs for single or multi-site businesses, including a multi-tenant solution for landlords and agents.

With this, Unify Energy anticipates being able to improve service to its existing customers and to bring the benefits of smart meters to more small business customers across the country.

GTC is a provider of multi-utility networks, including heat, electricity, fibre broadband, water, wastewater and gas, to new build developments across Britain.