Smart Meter Failure Sees 9 Energy Suppliers Facing Closure
As many as 9 small energy companies could be set to lose their licenses after failing to switch to the latest smart meter system.
In November 2017, all energy supply companies had to start using a system provided by the Data and Communications Company (DCC) which allows a smart meter to remain 'smart' when a customer switches energy supplier.
More than 2 years later and energy regulator, Ofgem, have found that 9 energy companies (Ampower, Better Energy Supply, Daligas, Enstroga, Entice Energy, Green, Northumbria Energy, Symbio and UK National Gas) aren't using the DCC system.
Ofgem is now making the decision whether the guilty energy suppliers will be handed a final order notice and will provide their verdict on 3rd February 2020.
In the event that Ofgem moves ahead with their decision, the companies will be expected to switch to the DCC system by the end of March 2020 and will be banned from signing up any new customers until they take action.
DCC systems explained
Every UK energy supplier must use the DCC system, otherwise when customers switch to a new energy supplier their smart meter will stop working. This has left many energy customers with a first-generation smart meter that no longer works – energy companies should now be installing second-generation smart meters.
When energy suppliers are connected to the DCC, the existing smart meter will continue to work as it should.
The 9 energy companies now await Ofgem's verdict.
