Draft new Smart Meter Communication Licence
- Consultation status:
- Open
- Publication date:
- Closing date:
- Topic:
- Metering
- Sub Topic:
- Smart meters
- Industry sector:
- Supply and Retail Market
- Licence type:
- Smart Meter Communication Licence
Related links
- DCC review: Phase 1 Decision
- DCC Review Phase 2: Governance and Centralised Registration Service arrangements
- DCC Review Phase 2: Centralised Registration Service arrangements - decision
- DCC Review Phase 2: Governance arrangements - conclusions
- DCC Review Phase 2: Determination of Allowed Revenue
- Modifications to the Smart Meter Communication Licence for transition to ex-ante cost control and other changes required for licence closure: decision
- Regulatory Instructions and Guidance (Successor Licensee)
- DCC Review Phase 2: Objectives, operational model and future role of DCC
- Smart Meter Communication Licence tender
We are seeking views on the draft Smart Meter Communication Licence for the Successor Licensee. Consultation closes 7 November 2025.
The new Licence reflects decisions from the DCC Review, including introducing a not-for-profit model, an ex-ante cost control regime and independent governance arrangements.
The Licence sets the mandate and operating scope for the Successor Licensee, covering how services are procured and delivered, and how performance is monitored and reported. It introduces new requirements based on consultation feedback and updates or clarifies conditions from the previous Licence.
What we’re looking for
We welcome views on whether the draft Licence is clear and aligns with our policy decisions.
We would like views from people with an interest in smart metering. We particularly welcome responses from potential Applicants for the Licence and DCC customers, including energy suppliers, distribution network operators, consumer groups and other current or potential future users of the DCC network.
Responses will inform the final drafting of the Licence and the regulatory framework that will govern DCC’s operations from 2027 onwards.
Consultation stages
Stage 1 Consultation open: 18 September 2025
Stage 2 Consultation closes: 7 November 2025
Stage 3 Responses reviewed and published: December 2025
Stage 4 Consultation outcome: decision and final licence by March 2025
How to respond
Please email your response to DCCregulation@ofgem.gov.uk by 11:59pm on 7 November 2025. If you wish part or all of your response to be confidential, please clearly mark the confidential sections and provide a nonconfidential version where possible. We will publish nonconfidential responses on our website and handle personal data and disclosures in line with our standard consultation notice.