Draft Regulatory Instructions and Guidance: Data Communications Company (DCC) 2026  

Details of outcome

Having considered all responses we received, we have updated the Regulatory Instructions and Guidance for the second Price Control Period. 

Our decision sets out the reasons for the changes, which we made, as well as our response to the proposals, which we decided not to proceed with. 

Alongside our decision, we issue the updated guidance text and the accompanying templates pursuant to Condition 23 of the Smart Meter Communication Licence. 

DCC is required to submit its Price Control Information for the second Price Control Period using these templates no later than 31 July 2027.

Read the full outcome

Original consultation

Consultation description 

The DCC provides the secure communications network for smart metering in England, Scotland and Wales. It operates as a monopoly, and its costs are subject to Ofgem’s control under a licence regime.   

In advance of the second forward-looking (ex-ante) price control period, we are consulting on our proposals for changes to the:  

• reporting templates   
• accompanying guidance   

The DCC must use these to submit price control information, known as the Regulatory Instructions and Guidance (RIGs). 

Who should respond 

We would like responses from a wide range of parties, including:   

• DCC    
• DCC’s customers (energy suppliers, networks, innovators and other users)   
• industry bodies, consumer organisations    
• any other persons with an interest in smart metering