Smart Metering Implementation Programme (SMIP)
UK (National) · 2013-Ongoing · Not a single project value; involves significant investment by energy suppliers and central infrastructure costs for DCC.
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe program proved more challenging and complex than anticipated in early phases [98]. - Establishment of the Data Communications Company (DCC) as a central body to provide secure data and communications services for smart meters [95]. - Continuous adjustments and consultations to address implementation issues and ensure consumer benefits are realized [99]. - The importance of a customer-focused, energy supplier-led approach for the rollout [99].
Key engineering challenges
Complexity of rolling out 53 million meters across the UK, involving diverse property types and installation scenarios [97]. - Ensuring interoperability and secure communication between meters, homes, and the central data network (DCC) [98]. - Technical and logistical challenges in installation, particularly in early phases, leading to delays and increased complexity [98]. - Integrating various IT systems and managing vast amounts of data flow from smart meters.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- UK Government (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy - BEIS, now Department for Energy Security and Net Zero); Data Communications Company (DCC)
- Lead contractor
- Data Communications Company (DCC) for central infrastructure; energy suppliers for meter rollout; CGI for DCC Data Services [95, 96].
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build; upgrade
- Scale
- Rollout of an estimated 53 million smart electricity and gas meters to homes and businesses [97].
- Disciplines
- Electrical engineering; software engineering; telecommunications engineering; energy policy; project management.
- Standards & frameworks
- Smart Energy Code (SEC), relevant UK energy and telecommunications regulations.
Sources: [95] GOV.UK. Smart meters: information for industry and other stakeholders. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/smart-meters-information-for-industry-and-other-stakeholders (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [96] CGI. CGI signs 8 year £75m deal with Smart DCC Limited for GB Smart Metering Implementation Programme. https://www.cgi.com/en/CGI-8-year-deal-Smart-DCC-Limited-GB-Smart-Metering-Implementation-Programme (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [97] CyanConnode. UK SMIP. https://cyanconnode.com/uk-smip/ (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [98] Smart DCC. Executive Summary. https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/media/1268/part-1-executive-summary.pdf (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [99] GOV.UK. Smart Metering Implementation Programme. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5d77bcfee5274a2036a24d87/smart-meters-benefits-realisation.pdf (Accessed: 2026-06-10).