News Archives - Page 2 of 37 - Association of Meter Operators

Smart Metering Reaches 2 Million 4G Communications Hub Milestone

Posted on 10th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The smart metering industry has achieved another significant milestone with the installation of the two millionth 4G Communications Hub in Great Britain.

The landmark installation was completed in Cheshunt by AMO Member, British Gas, demonstrating the remarkable pace at which the transition to next-generation smart metering communications is progressing. Having only recently celebrated the installation of the first million 4G Communications Hubs, the industry has now doubled that figure in a relatively short period, with approximately 12,000 hubs currently being installed every day across homes and businesses.

This achievement highlights the scale of the national rollout and the collective effort being delivered by energy suppliers, meter operators, installers and technology partners. More than two million properties are now benefiting from the enhanced communications capabilities that 4G technology brings to the smart metering network.

The transition to 4G is delivering tangible improvements across Great Britain’s smart metering infrastructure. Enhanced communications performance, improved reliability and greater network coverage are helping to support a more robust and resilient smart metering ecosystem. The technology also offers operational efficiencies that can reduce costs while supporting the long-term sustainability of the smart metering programme.

Importantly, this milestone reflects the strong collaboration that exists across the industry. Suppliers, installers and communications partners have all played a key role in driving the rollout forward, with organisations including Toshiba and VodafoneThree continuing to support deployment at scale.

While the installation of two million 4G Communications Hubs is an impressive achievement in its own right, it also marks an important step in the wider modernisation of Great Britain’s energy infrastructure. As the rollout continues, 4G communications technology will play a vital role in supporting reliable smart metering services, enabling improved customer experiences and helping to underpin the future of a smarter, more connected energy system.

For the metering industry, the milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and sustained investment, providing a strong foundation for the next phase of smart metering deployment across Great Britain.

MHHS Programme Reaches 20.2 Million Meter Migrations

Posted on 7th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) Programme has announced that 20.2 million meter migrations had been successfully completed as of 28 August 2026, representing approximately 60% of all meters within scope. This marks a significant milestone in the industry’s transition towards more accurate, data-driven electricity settlement arrangements.

With approximately 34 weeks remaining until the completion of migration activities, scheduled for 7 May 2027 under MHHS Milestone 15, supplier migration volumes continue to align with the programme’s agreed migration framework. The progress achieved demonstrates sustained industry commitment and provides growing confidence that the programme remains on track to deliver its implementation objectives.

For metering stakeholders, the continued pace of migration highlights the increasing importance of robust meter data collection, data quality assurance, and operational readiness across the end-to-end settlement chain. As migration volumes accelerate towards completion, Meter Asset Managers, Meter Operators, Data Services providers and suppliers will need to maintain a strong focus on data integrity, customer support, and efficient management of any migration-related issues.

The successful migration of over 20 million meters represents a major step towards the delivery of a smarter, more flexible electricity system. Once fully implemented, MHHS is expected to support improved settlement accuracy, enable more innovative tariffs and demand-side flexibility services, and contribute to the efficient operation of Britain’s transition to a low-carbon energy future.

Ofwat Launches Vision for the Future of Water

Posted on 7th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofwat’s latest initiative, The future of water starts with all of us, highlights the need for a more sustainable, resilient and customer-focused water sector capable of meeting growing environmental and population pressures. The regulator is calling for greater collaboration across the industry, government, communities and consumers to secure long-term water resources and improve the performance of water services.

For the metering sector, the message is particularly significant. Water metering is recognised as a key enabler of demand reduction, helping customers better understand their consumption while supporting more efficient use of water resources. As water companies increasingly deploy smart technologies, opportunities are emerging to apply lessons learned from the electricity and gas smart metering programmes, including data management, consumer engagement, installation practices, asset assurance and operational efficiency.

The direction of travel aligns closely with wider sustainability and net zero objectives. Greater adoption of advanced water metering solutions can support leakage reduction, improve consumption insights, enable faster fault detection and help customers make informed decisions about water use. As the water sector accelerates its digital transformation, metering technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in delivering the resilient, efficient and environmentally sustainable water system envisaged by Ofwat.

From a Metering UK perspective, the growing focus on water metering presents opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing. The expertise developed through electricity, gas and smart metering programmes could help support the evolution of water metering infrastructure, contributing to improved customer outcomes and the delivery of broader environmental goal

Ofgem Publishes New DCC Remuneration Policy Guidance

Posted on 7th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem has published new guidance outlining its expectations for how the Data Communications Company (DCC) links senior manager remuneration to organisational performance, operational delivery and value for consumers. Issued under the Smart Meter Communication Licence, the policy establishes a framework for the development, application and review of DCC remuneration arrangements.

The guidance emphasises that remuneration should be connected to both organisational and individual performance, with a clear focus on delivering positive outcomes for consumers. This forms part of Ofgem’s broader approach to strengthening accountability and governance across critical energy sector infrastructure.

As the central communications provider supporting Great Britain’s smart metering system, DCC plays a key role in industry operations. The new policy reinforces expectations that leadership incentives align with reliable service delivery, operational performance and the effective management of smart metering services. Stakeholders may wish to monitor how the policy influences future performance measures, reporting requirements and strategic priorities within the smart metering sector.

Ofgem’s new guidance seeks to ensure that DCC senior management rewards are closely aligned with operational performance, service delivery and the creation of value for consumers, reinforcing accountability across the smart metering ecosystem.

Gas Safety Week 2026: Take No Chances

Posted on 7th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Gas Safety Week returns this September with a clear and important message: “Take No Chances.” The annual national campaign, led by Gas Safe Register, brings together organisations across the energy, housing, utilities and safety sectors to promote gas safety awareness and help protect consumers from avoidable risks associated with unsafe gas appliances.

The campaign serves as a reminder that gas safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, housing provider, engineer, metering professional or energy supplier, everyone has a role to play in helping keep homes and communities safe. This year’s theme encourages consumers not to ignore warning signs, to act promptly when concerns arise, and to ensure that gas work is always carried out by appropriately qualified and registered professionals.

For the UK’s metering sector, safety remains at the heart of every customer interaction. Meter operators, metering technicians and field engineers regularly enter customers’ homes and businesses, placing them in a unique position to identify potential safety concerns and reinforce important gas safety messages. While metering professionals are not responsible for servicing gas appliances, they contribute significantly to the industry’s broader commitment to consumer safety through vigilance, reporting processes and engagement with customers.

Unsafe or poorly maintained gas appliances can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide remains particularly dangerous because it cannot be seen, smelt or tasted, making consumer awareness and preventative action essential. Previous Gas Safety Week campaigns have consistently emphasised the importance of regular appliance servicing, the use of qualified Gas Safe registered engineers, and the installation and testing of carbon monoxide alarms.

Gas Safety Week also provides an opportunity for organisations across the energy sector to demonstrate their commitment to public safety. The campaign toolkit contains a range of resources, including social media content, articles, graphics and awareness materials that organisations can use to engage customers and employees throughout the week. Supporters are encouraged to share safety messages, raise awareness of common hazards and help ensure that consumers know where to seek trusted advice.

The Association of Meter Operators (AMO) is proud to support initiatives that promote safe working practices and protect consumers. As the energy sector continues to evolve through smart metering, digitalisation and the transition to a lower-carbon future, maintaining a strong safety culture remains paramount. Gas Safety Week provides a valuable opportunity to reinforce this commitment and encourage continued collaboration across the industry.

AMO encourages members to support Gas Safety Week 2026 by sharing campaign materials, discussing gas safety with customers where appropriate, and helping to promote the simple but vital message: Take No Chances.

For further information and campaign resources, visit the official Gas Safety Week website and download the free supporter toolkit.

Key Messages

Gas Safety Week 2026 runs from 14 to 20 September 2026.
The 2026 campaign theme is “Take No Chances.”
Always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer for gas work.
Ensure gas appliances are regularly maintained and safety checked.
Install and regularly test carbon monoxide alarms.
Never ignore signs that a gas appliance may be unsafe.

IGEM/G/4 Edition 3 – Definitions for the Gas Industry

Posted on 4th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) has published IGEM/G/4 Edition 3 – Definitions for the Gas Industry, providing a single, consistent source of terminology for use across IGEM standards and guidance documents. The new edition seeks to address historic variations in terminology that have developed across standards over time, establishing a common reference point that supports consistency, regulatory alignment, and current industry best practice.

For AMO gas members, the publication is particularly relevant as it introduces a standardised approach to definitions that will apply to IGEM standards published from 1 April 2026 onwards where individual definitions are not provided within the specific standard. Existing standards published before this date will continue to use their existing definitions until they are revised, withdrawn, or superseded. This transitional approach aims to minimise disruption while improving industry-wide consistency.

The document has direct relevance to gas metering activities. IGEM confirms that the standard should be read alongside IGEM/G/1 – Defining the Boundaries Between the Network, Primary Meter Installation and Installation Pipework, recognising the importance of established metering definitions that have been accepted by Ofgem for use within Great Britain. The alignment between IGEM/G/4 and IGEM/G/1 will help ensure consistent interpretation of metering responsibilities, asset boundaries, and industry terminology across operational, engineering, and regulatory environments.

The scope of the standard extends beyond natural gas to include LPG, LPG/air systems, biomethane, hydrogen and hydrogen blends, reflecting the evolving energy landscape and supporting future decarbonisation activities. For AMO members involved in metering, asset management, network interfaces, or emerging hydrogen projects, the publication provides greater clarity and consistency as the industry prepares for a more diverse gas mix.

While the publication does not introduce new operational requirements, it provides an important reference point that will improve consistency across future technical standards, support clearer interpretation of metering arrangements, and help reduce ambiguity when implementing new gas industry requirements. Members should consider reviewing internal procedures, technical documentation, and training materials to ensure terminology remains aligned with the latest industry definitions.

Smart Meter Statistics Q2 2026

Posted on 4th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published its latest quarterly Smart Meter Statistics covering activity to the end of June 2026. The statistics confirm continued progress in the smart meter rollout across Great Britain, with more than 42 million smart and advanced meters now operating in homes and small businesses, representing 72% of all meters. Of the approximately 40 million smart meters in operation, 92% are operating in smart mode, maintaining a high level of functionality across the installed estate.

A significant development in this release is the introduction of smart meter replacement installation data, published retrospectively from 2022 onwards. This provides, for the first time, a comprehensive view of total installation activity, capturing both new smart meter installations and the replacement of existing smart and advanced meters. DESNZ reported that between April and June 2026, approximately 1.1 million smart and advanced meters were installed, comprising around 525,000 new installations and 570,000 replacement installations. Notably, replacement activity now exceeds new installations, highlighting the increasing maturity of the smart metering estate and the industry’s transition from deployment towards asset lifecycle management and ongoing operational performance.

The report also introduces several improvements designed to enhance accessibility and usability. The publication has moved from a PDF-based format to HTML, aligning with wider GOV.UK publishing standards. Supporting datasets have been restructured into tidy-data formats, making analysis easier for industry participants, researchers, and organisations using data analytics tools. These changes are intended to improve transparency and support deeper analysis of smart meter performance and installation trends.]

For meter operators and industry stakeholders, the statistics reinforce the changing nature of the smart metering programme. While rollout activity remains substantial, attention is increasingly focused on maintaining smart functionality, replacing ageing assets, ensuring compatibility with evolving communications technologies, and supporting long-term operational performance. The introduction of replacement activity reporting provides greater visibility of these emerging priorities and reflects the sector’s shift from large-scale deployment towards optimisation of an established smart metering asset base.

The next quarterly update, covering activity to the end of September 2026, is scheduled for publication on 26 November 2026.

The Q2 2026 statistics demonstrate that the smart metering programme is entering a new phase of maturity. The fact that replacement installations now outnumber new installations highlights the growing importance of meter asset management, communications hub upgrades, smart functionality retention, and operational excellence. For Meter Operators, this transition is likely to drive increased focus on workforce capability, service quality, logistics, technology refresh programmes, and the efficient management of meter exchanges to ensure consumers continue to realise the full benefits of smart metering.

DESNZ Consultation on Communications Hub Replacement Reimbursement Reporting

Posted on 4th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on proposed amendments to the Network Evolution Transition and Migration Approach Document (NETMAD) concerning the reimbursement arrangements for Communications Hub (CH) only replacement visits. The proposed changes focus on improving the end-to-end reporting and reimbursement process administered by the Data Communications Company (DCC) for qualifying CH replacement activities. [A key proposal is to strengthen transparency around reimbursement payments by requiring the DCC to report the number of reimbursement payments it expects to make to lead Energy Suppliers. This is intended to improve visibility of forthcoming reimbursement obligations, support financial planning, and enhance oversight of the programme as the smart metering communications infrastructure transitions from legacy 2G/3G technology to 4G solutions.

For AMO members, the consultation is particularly relevant as it affects the governance and administration of Communications Hub replacement activity and the associated reimbursement framework. While the proposals do not alter the underlying reimbursement methodology, they seek to improve reporting accuracy, forecasting, and accountability within the process. Enhanced reporting may also provide stakeholders with greater confidence that replacement activity volumes and reimbursement payments are being effectively monitored and managed.

The consultation forms part of the wider smart metering migration programme supporting the replacement of legacy communications technology and ensuring continued smart meter connectivity across Great Britain. Responses are invited until 2 October 2026.

The proposals are primarily administrative and reporting-focused, but they support more effective management of the large-scale Communications Hub replacement programme. Improved reporting and reimbursement governance should help maintain confidence in the delivery framework for ongoing smart metering communications upgrades.

DESNZ Consultation on DCC 4G Communications Hubs & Networks Programme (Project Activity 4)

Posted on 4th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched a consultation on its minded-to position regarding Project Activity 4 of the Data Communications Company (DCC) 4G Communications Hubs & Networks (CH&N) Baseline Margin Project Performance Adjustment (BMPPA) Scheme. The consultation assesses whether DCC’s 4G communications services were delivered successfully following Initial Pallet Validation (IPV) and whether DCC should retain the performance-related margin placed at risk under the scheme.

DESNZ, the SEC Panel and DCC have all independently awarded a score of 3 out of 3, representing the highest possible performance rating and indicating there were no material areas of concern with the delivery of 4G communications services during the assessment period. As a result, DESNZ’s minded-to position is that DCC should retain 100% of the £866,000 baseline margin placed at risk under Project Activity 4.

For AMO members, the assessment provides positive assurance regarding the operational performance of 4G Communications Hubs. The SEC Panel reported that 4G hubs have generally performed well, particularly when replacing previously non-communicating devices, and have delivered benefits during meter exchanges by avoiding full power-down requirements at customer premises. Suppliers also reported encouraging installation outcomes during the early stages of deployment.

The review did, however, identify several areas of ongoing industry focus. These included two Category 2 service incidents linked to external Vodafone mobile network issues rather than faults with the communications hubs themselves. While both incidents were resolved within hours and had limited customer impact, they highlighted the importance of effective change management and notification arrangements between telecommunications providers and DCC. Enhanced notification processes have since been introduced.

Coverage performance remains another important consideration. Suppliers continue to report challenges when planning installations in areas where 4G WAN coverage is uncertain. DESNZ acknowledged that coverage levels were initially below expectations, but recognised that DCC has implemented roaming capabilities and ongoing coverage improvement initiatives which are expected to further enhance service availability across Great Britain.

The consultation also highlights a communications hub behaviour issue that can occur when a hub becomes unseated from the electricity meter, causing flashing lights that may be misinterpreted by field engineers as a device fault. Industry feedback suggests this may have contributed to some unnecessary communications hub returns. DCC has investigated the issue and is addressing it through firmware enhancements.

Overall, the consultation provides confidence that the 4G CH&N programme is delivering improved communications performance, supporting the transition away from legacy communications technologies and helping to increase successful smart meter connectivity. While coverage enhancement, service governance and installation experience remain areas for continued improvement, DESNZ’s assessment concludes that DCC’s performance during the monitoring period warrants the maximum score under the BMPPA framework. Responses to the consultation are requested by 2 October 2026.

Net Zero North Sea Storage Limited (NZNSSL) – BOC & H2T Discontinuation Determination

Posted on 4th September 2026 by Martin Brailsford

Ofgem has launched a consultation on its proposed decision regarding modifications to the Net Zero North Sea Storage Limited project following the discontinuation of the Blue Hydrogen and Carbon Capture (BOC) and Hydrogen to Teesside (H2T) projects. The consultation seeks stakeholder views on changes to the approved project scope, primarily relating to the removal of the BOC and H2T spur pipelines from the development plan. The consultation opened on 31 August 2026 and closes on 27 September 2026.

The proposed changes follow the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s announcement in September 2025 that the BOC project would not proceed, together with the subsequent withdrawal of the H2T development by its sponsor. Ofgem’s consultation considers how these project withdrawals should be reflected within the regulated carbon capture and storage infrastructure framework and associated licence arrangements.

Considerations for AMO Members

While the consultation does not directly impact metering obligations, it provides an important indication of the challenges associated with delivering large-scale decarbonisation infrastructure projects. The removal of hydrogen-related infrastructure from the approved project scope highlights the commercial and regulatory uncertainties that continue to affect elements of the UK’s energy transition programme.

For meter operators and associated service providers, the consultation reinforces the importance of maintaining flexibility within industry planning assumptions. Many AMO members are actively considering the future implications of hydrogen, carbon capture, heat pumps, electrification and other low-carbon technologies as part of the evolving energy landscape. The outcome of this consultation may influence wider discussions regarding future network investment priorities and the pace at which alternative decarbonisation pathways are deployed.

Net Zero Perspective

From a net zero perspective, the consultation should not be viewed as a reduction in government commitment to decarbonisation. Rather, it reflects a reassessment of specific projects within a broader transition strategy. Achieving net zero will continue to require significant investment in low-carbon infrastructure, smart technologies, electrification, flexibility services, and energy efficiency improvements.

For AMO members, the longer-term direction of travel remains unchanged. Metering will continue to play a critical role in supporting the transition through accurate measurement, settlement, consumer engagement, smart energy management, demand flexibility, and the integration of emerging technologies. The consultation serves as a reminder that the pathway to net zero is likely to evolve over time, with some projects progressing, others being modified, and new solutions emerging as technologies mature and market conditions develop.

Consultation closes: 27 September 2026. Stakeholders wishing to respond should submit comments directly to Ofgem.