DCC Review Phase 2: Objectives, operational model and future role of DCC
- Publication type:
- Consultation
- Status:
- Closed (with decision)
- Publication date:
- Last updated:
- Closed date:
- Topic:
- Metering
- Subtopic:
- Smart meters
- Industry sector:
- Supply and Retail Market
- Licence type:
- Smart Meter Communication Licence
Our conclusions in relation to the strategy-setting, objectives, operational model and scope of Authorised Business of DCC under the Successor Licence.
The Data Communications Company (DCC) manages the communications and data transfer service for smart metering. We are reviewing the regulatory arrangements for DCC ahead of the expiry of its Licence due in September 2027 ("DCC review") to design a Successor Licence and appoint a holder of that licence.
Details of outcome
The decision document below summarises the responses to our June 2025 consultation and outlines our policy conclusions on the areas we sought responses on, including the Successor Licensee’s:
- strategy-setting
- future objectives
- operational model
- scope and governance for the evolution of Authorised Business
Read the full outcome
Next steps
This decision will be followed by a consultation on the draft conditions of the Successor Licence, which will build on our policy conclusions reached across all three workstreams of the DCC review programme set out below.
Original consultation
Background
In August 2023, the DCC review: Phase 1 Decision concluded the first, scoping phase of our review with a set of key features to form the basis of the design of the new regulatory model.
Phase 2 of our review has focused on developing these key features into detailed policy proposals to underpin the Successor Licence in three workstreams:
Governance
In May 2024, we published the DCC Review Phase 2: Governance and Centralised Registration Service arrangements consultation. We published our decision in two parts:
- DCC Review Phase 2: Centralised Registration Service arrangements in December 2024
- DCC Review Phase 2: Governance arrangements in January 2025
Cost control
In December 2024, we published the DCC Review Phase 2: Determination of Allowed Revenue consultation, focused on the process for determination of the Successor Licensee’s Allowed Revenue (cost control).
In May 2025, we published the DCC Review Phase 2: Determination of Allowed Revenue conclusions, followed by underpinning guidance documents:
- Terms of Reference for Customer Challenge Group and Business Plan Guidance
- Regulatory Instructions and Guidance
We also published modifications to the Smart Meter Communication Licence for transition to ex-ante cost control and other changes required for licence closure.
Future role
We published the 'DCC Review Phase 2: Objectives, operational model and future role of DCC' consultation in June 2025.
Consultation documents