Smart DCC Charge

The DCC runs the shared network that carries data between smart meters and the companies that use them, from a supplier reading a meter remotely to a new supplier taking over a meter after a switch. It holds the Smart Meter Communication Licence, regulated by Ofgem, and recovers its costs from Smart Energy Code (SEC) parties. In April 2026 Ofgem granted a successor licence to DCC2 Ltd.

The DCC publishes a Charging Statement for each Regulatory Year (1 April to 31 March). Most of its revenue comes from Fixed Charges per smart metering system per month, set for five charging groups: Elec import suppliers, export suppliers, gas suppliers, Elec distributors and gas transporters. Suppliers pass the cost on in what customers pay. A party that orders a particular service, such as a DCC gateway connection or test equipment, pays an Explicit Charge for it on top.

Key facts:

• Fixed Charges are a flat £ per smart metering system per month, with no per-kWh element
• Import and gas suppliers pay three parts: the Fixed Charge, an Alt HAN charge and a Communications Hub charge
• Domestic and non-domestic meters pay the same rate within a charging group
• Both fuels pay: Elec suppliers per MPAN, gas suppliers per MPRN
• Estimated Allowed Revenue for 2026-27 is £827.0m

EnergyCode includes the Smart DCC charge for both fuels in the Pricing Engine, priced per smart-metered MPAN and MPRN from the DCC Charging Statement.